The federal government says it has reached the halfway point in its promise to deliver 3,000 new jobs in remote communities, under its flagship Remote Jobs and Economic Development program.
The government said on Friday that 1,450 jobs have been funded across the first two rounds of RJED, with the first round, which opened in December and concluded in February, resulting in more than 650 jobs created by around 100 employers across remote Australia.
A further 800 jobs are being established this week through 160 projects involving 150 employers, the government said. In addition, approximately 280 jobs created under the New Jobs Program Trial have now transitioned into RJED.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the government is committed to delivering greater economic prosperity for First Nations people in remote areas.
"Our remote jobs program is changing lives for First Nations people living in remote communities across the country," she said.
"The dignity of work, with decent wages and conditions, impacts not just individuals, but families and communities, and contributes to Closing the Gap in employment outcomes."
According to the Commonwealth's figures, the job creation under RJED — pending the finalisation of grant agreements — includes:
- Arnhem Land & Groote Eylandt – 100 jobs
- Central Australia – 150 jobs
- Greater Western Australia – 130 jobs
- Kimberley – 100 jobs
- North Queensland – 150 jobs
- South Australia – 25 jobs
- South Queensland – Five jobs
- Top End & Tiwi Islands – 130 jobs
- Western New South Wales – 10 jobs
In the Ardyaloon/One Arm Point community, In WA's Kimberley region, local charity Ardyaloon Incorporated received RJED funding to create two full-time roles: one in administration and one in groundskeeping.
"Thanks to the recent securing of vital funding, Ardyaloon Inc. is delighted to announce that our two new full-time positions have now been successfully filled," said Ardyaloon Incorporated chief executive John Reudavey.
"These roles are incredibly important to our operations and the continued support of community, and we are overjoyed to welcome two exceptional individuals to the team."
Newly appointed office manager, Ardyaloon woman Jayarna Mills, expressed pride in taking on the role.
"My heart is rooted in our beautiful, loving, and caring community and its land," she said.
"I feel a profound sense of responsibility and privilege. I'm eager to contribute, learn, and grow alongside my people, honouring our traditions while embracing the new opportunities this role brings."
Philip Carter, a Bardi man and the new groundskeeper, said the job is a key step in his journey.
"I want to keep up work skills and have a real full-time job," he said.
First announced in February 2023, the $707 million RJED program replaced the former Community Development Program (CDP), introduced by the previous Coalition government. The current government has pledged to deliver RJED "in partnership with First Nations people" to support skill-building, employment and community-led services.
Special Envoy for Remote Communities Marion Scrymgour said the program is delivering on a key promise.
"These 1,450 remote jobs are a key milestone in delivering this commitment," the MP for Lingiari said.
"These are real jobs, with leave entitlements, superannuation and fair wages. They provide purpose, economic opportunity, security and they help build a sense of community.
"I am eager to see the remaining jobs rolled out, and to continue working with remote communities on how to deliver tangible economic outcomes for people."
Successful RJED grant recipients can now employ local people in roles identified by their own communities; with full workplace entitlements.
Speaking at Garma Festival last week, where the government launched the First Nations Economic Partnership with the Coalition of Peaks and the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed the government's commitment to Indigenous financial independence and prosperity.
"Making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians can get a secure job, make the most of business opportunities and benefit from their land is a big part of Closing the Gap," he said.
"The First Nations Economic Partnership will help put communities in the driver's seat of economic opportunity, ownership and equity."
