3,000 milestone for remote jobs program
The Federal Government’s Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED) has reached the halfway mark, with 3,000 new jobs approved for creation.
More than 1,300 new jobs will be created in remote communities across the country after a third round of grant applications, following on from 1,700 jobs created from rounds one and two, along with program trials.
The Remote Jobs program is delivering the dignity of work in remote communities, with jobs that support community priorities, with fair wages and conditions, including superannuation and leave.
Ngaruwanajirri Arts Centre on the Tiwi Islands.
The number of jobs per region is approximate and subject to the finalisation of grant agreements:
- Arnhem Land & Groote Eylandt – 207 jobs
- Central Australia – 174 jobs
- Greater Western Australia – 185 jobs
- Kimberley – 182 jobs
- North Queensland – 241 jobs
- South Australia – 110 jobs
- South Queensland – 26 jobs
- Top End & Tiwi Islands – 235 jobs
- Western New South Wales – 26 jobs
Around 85 per cent of employers successful in round 3 are First Nations organisations.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the program was changing lives in some of our most remote communities, creating jobs with decent wages and conditions that align with community needs.
“We are seeing the impact of our investment with more people moving into local jobs, some for the first time, building skills and delivering services that are making a difference to their communities,” she said.
“RJED is backing communities to drive their own economic futures by creating jobs, strengthening local businesses and organisations, and delivering long-term opportunities in remote communities.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the program was changing lives.
RJED is focused on sustainable job creation in remote communities with the program designed to support businesses and organisations to employ local people and build capacity for long-term success.
RJED’s Community Jobs and Business Fund supports capacity building and sustainability with mentoring and supervision, minor capital works and the purchase of equipment and items like uniforms to further support sustainability.
Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour said creating jobs and employment in remote areas changes people’s lives and helps strengthen communities.
New jobs this year
“RJED is an important program that is making some real impact for people in remote areas.
“This program provides real wages and conditions, but importantly it drives economic development and employment out bush.
RJED workers at community-owned Enterprises Nursery at Wujal Wujal in Qld.
New jobs to come onboard this year will range from hospitality, retail, conservation, renewable energy, youth services and construction. Jobs include a mix of full-time, part-time and casual positions.
There will be further opportunities for employers to participate in future RJED grant rounds, with the next grant round expected in 2026-27.
Employers are encouraged to engage with local communities to identify and develop job opportunities that reflect local needs.
For more information about the RJED program visit www.niaa.gov.au/remote-jobs
