The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to ensure more people can find work by addressing local employment and community needs through the Local Jobs Program.
Community providers across Australia can now apply for Local Jobs, Local People grant funding to develop innovative solutions that address local workforce needs and create pathways to employment in their employment region.
Under Local Jobs, Local People, individual grants from $50,000 to $250,000 will be available.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth said the grants will support projects that lead to ongoing, secure employment and establish clear pathways for people experiencing barriers to employment.
"Local Jobs, Local People grants will play an important role in empowering communities to strengthen their labour markets, address workforce shortages, and break down structural or systemic barriers to employment.
"The grants will help communities develop initiatives that make a truly meaningful difference, tailored to the distinctive needs of their region's unique labour market," Minister Rishworth said.
"Local communities know their local areas best. With an understanding of its workforce needs, employers and industry the Local Jobs Program gives local communities the power to drive their own solutions to address their own specific needs."
Local Jobs Local People grants will fund activities that address critical sectors by supporting businesses to employ local people in ongoing roles and providing additional support services for those facing systemic barriers to paid employment.
Successful grants will demonstrate a strong focus on First Nations peoples, mature age Australians, migrants and refugees and young people. They will also provide opportunities in sectors facing skill shortages including construction, care and support, digital and emerging technologies and the energy transition.
The Local Jobs, Local People grants are a key part of the additional $62.6 million investment the Australian Government is making in extending the Local Jobs Program until 30 June 2027.
