Hello everyone, it’s Malarndirri McCarthy here – coming to you from the lands of the Larrakia people.
I acknowledge you’re on the lands of the Kaurna people and pay my respects to Elders past and present.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the First Nations community-controlled organisations and other providers attending today’s forum.
Sorry I can't be with you in person.
Thank you for the important work you do in supporting job seekers in remote Australia on their path to employment.
Through your efforts in skill-building, addressing employment barriers, and contributing to community and economic development, you are making a significant impact.
Like you, the Albanese Government is committed to working with First Nations people and remote communities on economic empowerment.
As you know, this includes replacing the CDP with real jobs, proper wages and decent conditions, in partnership with First Nations communities.
This transformation is essential to provide the support needed for genuine economic development in remote communities.
To ensure that new opportunities lead to sustainable growth and create real impact.
This reform presents many challenges - and opportunities.
Enabling economic development and empowerment at a local level will help to Close the Gap in Indigenous employment.
The first stage in replacing the CDP is the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, which will create 3,000 jobs.
The $707 million program will support people in remote communities to move into jobs with fair pay and conditions.
This is not a ‘one size fits all’ program.
We are being guided by communities in creating jobs that support their specific community needs and aspirations.
Jobs will be flexible, to reflect community and individual needs.
Since April this year we’ve consulted in over 200 communities, talking with over 3,000 people.
Jobs will be entry level, to overcome the additional barriers people in remote communities experience in entering the workforce, particularly those who are long-term unemployed.
It’s important to me that we also find practical ways for remote communities to be involved in and benefit from the opportunities being generated through our government’s broader economic agenda.
That includes a Future Made in Australia and the net zero transition.
One option I am interested in exploring is the opportunity for local Job Fairs to help link people with available jobs in community - and local organisations with opportunities for economic and enterprise development.
But it doesn’t stop at getting people into jobs.
Over time, those engaged in these jobs will develop and build the confidence to pursue opportunities, both within their communities and in the broader private and public sectors.
The New Jobs Program Trial is showing that demand for jobs aligned to local community priorities is high, and that putting trust into communities to determine what they need truly works.
We know this because we have already increased the number of trial jobs from 200 to 300 to respond to early demand.
A new remote employment service will be established to support and complement the Remote Jobs program.
Providers will support job seekers, helping them overcome barriers to employment opportunities.
There is a common theme of the work that we’re doing in Government.
We’re doing it in partnership.
Working with community to understand what they need, and listening to them about how we should do things.
On behalf of the Albanese Government, I want to thank you for your hard work and dedication, and the positive impact you create.
I hope you find this forum a rewarding opportunity to connect, learn and grow.