Minister for Indigenous Australians
Eligible organisations are now invited to apply for funding to assist job seekers in remote communities through the Albanese Labor Government's new Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES).
The new employment service will replace the Community Development Program (CDP) from 1 November this year.
RAES will allow communities to have a greater say in locally tailored solutions for job-readiness and better equip providers to support people living in remote communities to develop their skills and connect with work.
Around 40,000 job seekers in more than 2,600 communities are expected to access this service in RAES regions (currently known as CDP regions) and benefit from more tailored and culturally safe support.
RAES will also contribute to job creation with its strong focus on community projects - a model that has shown great success through the Government's job trials.
In two years, these trials have seen over 18,000 people gain access to paid work experience, mentoring and training incentives, including through the establishment of local community enterprises.
RAES will require successful providers to utilise 25% of their budget to co-design community projects throughout the life of the program.
These projects are expected to deliver even more innovative approaches to local enterprise development and create more jobs and employment pathways for job seekers.
The design of RAES has been informed by community consultations, job trials and feedback received through recent consultation on draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
RAES complements the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program which launched in 2024 and is creating 3,000 jobs over three years.
Current CDP services will continue to operate until 31 October 2025, ensuring job seekers have continuity throughout the transition to the new remote employment service.
The competitive grant process for RAES will be open until 28 July 2025.
