The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to replace the failed Community Development Program (CDP), with providers chosen to deliver the new Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) from 1 November this year.
Eligible organisations were invited to apply for funding to assist job seekers in remote communities, with a total of 196 applications received.
After a rigorous assessment process, 49 organisations have been selected to deliver services to around 40,000 job seekers across remote communities in 60 regions.
The new Remote Australia Employment Service will provide more tailored and culturally safe support for job seekers and has been designed based on consultations with remote communities.
The RAES will be more flexible than the CDP and communities will have a greater say in locally tailored solutions for job readiness that job seekers can participate in.
Providers will have to use 25% of their budget to co-design community projects throughout the life of the program. These projects are expected to create further opportunities for job seekers and deliver innovative approaches to local enterprise.
Providers will also be better equipped to support people living in remote communities to develop their skills and connect with work, including roles created through the Albanese Government’s Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program which is creating 3,000 jobs over three years with decent wages and conditions.
Remote job seekers can call a dedicated Transition Line on 1800 306 182 if they have any questions about their provider or income support payments.
To find out more about the RAES and for a full list of providers, visit www.niaa.gov.au/remote-services
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“We know the old CDP program left First Nations people stuck in cycles of poverty and failed remote communities, we’re getting on with replacing it.
“The Remote Australia Employment Service will see the co-design of projects with communities that are relevant and needed in remote areas. This is an opportunity to provide greater benefits not only to job seekers but also the wider community.
“RAES will also provide culturally safe and tailored support to help people get the training they need to get job ready and find work.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“If we are to make a positive shift in remote communities, employment outcomes have got to change.
“Meaningful employment is the bedrock of economic development, local enterprise and business, and helping people feel a sense of purpose and community.
“We promised remote communities we would replace the non-functioning CDP program with a new and improved employment system – and RAES marks the completion of that promise”.