The Albanese Labor Government will help create a further 800 new jobs in remote communities across Australia through the fourth grant round of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, made the announcement during a visit to Yulara in Central Australia, where she met with RJED workers employed in tourism jobs with Voyages Tourism Australia.
The RJED program is delivering the dignity of work in remote communities by creating local jobs that support community priorities, with fair wages and conditions, including superannuation and leave.
The new jobs will support essential services and local enterprises across Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) regions, from the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia to Cape York in Far North Queensland.
More than 3,000 jobs have been created since the program commenced in late 2024, this latest round continues progress towards creating 6,000 new jobs in remote communities by 2030.
More than 370 employers have created jobs through RJED, including around 85% First Nations organisations.
Employers are encouraged to work closely with communities to identify local priorities and the jobs they want and need. So far, jobs have been created across a range of sectors, including tourism, agriculture, retail, administration, community services and maintenance, culture and the arts.
Employers can apply for funding to create new jobs. They can also apply for funding through the Community Jobs and Business Fund to support capacity building and sustainability with mentoring and supervision, minor capital works and the purchase of equipment and items such as uniforms, that directly support employees in their roles.
Grants are open until 17 March 2027.
The RJED Helpdesk is available to support applicants at RJEDHelpdesk@niaa.gov.au
Small organisations and employers can access up to 10 hours of grant writing assistance.
For more information about the RJED grants, visit www.niaa.gov.au/employers
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“RJED is about the dignity of work with proper pay and conditions, while supporting the goals and aspirations of First Nations communities.
“When I visit remote communities and meet people who are working through our RJED program, I hear what it means to them, their families and their communities.
“RJED strengthens individuals and families, lifts local economies and creates long-term pathways.
“The opening of Round 4 of our Remote Jobs program is another step towards our goal of creating 6,000 jobs in remote communities.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour:
“When we invest in remote employment, we achieve stronger outcomes for local people and local communities.
“RJED is an important program, providing purposeful and meaningful employment in remote areas. I am excited about the results being delivered after many years of the failed Community Development Program.
“Round 4 is an important opportunity for local businesses and organisations to not only build their workforce capacity but help deliver real change for local communities.”