The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver on its commitment to Closing the Gap, supporting First Nations people as they transition out of the justice system and build stronger futures.
Phase 1 of the Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program has now commenced, with 15 out of the 16 organisations selected to deliver services across multiple correctional facilities nationally being First Nations‑led and community‑controlled.
The strong representation of First Nations‑led and community‑controlled organisations among the successful applicants supports the Government's commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to build a strong and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector.
Research shows that social support is important in the early stages of post-release reintegration into community following the loss of connection which can raise the
risk of reoffending.
The REAL program provides personalised mentoring and co-ordinated support to help participants move into employment, education and training, strengthening long-term economic participation across Australia.
Participants are supported up to six months pre-release and 12 months post-release to re-establish themselves through connections to culture, Country and language where appropriate, and through referrals to health, housing and other social services.
Extensive consultations to inform the design of the program highlighted the importance of continuity of support before and after release, along with strong mentoring, case coordination and referral. Importantly, this support needs to be provided by First Nations people to be at its most effective.
The program is being rolled out progressively in 2026 in two phases. Phase 1 is now underway in selected facilities, with Phase 2 to follow later in 2026, expanding delivery through a future grant opportunity.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:
"Through this program we want to reduce recidivism in order to break the cycle of incarceration - and see fewer people in jail and more in jobs.
"The REAL Program is about providing culturally safe and responsive support at the right time so people can reconnect with their communities, build their confidence and move towards employment, education and training.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"This program is about supporting First Nations people as they transition out of the justice system and into training, education or employment.
"It's important to see First Nations-led and community-controlled organisations leading in this space and delivering these important services."
Successful REAL Program Phase 1 applicants:
- TRACQS Pty Ltd - Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, QLD
- Girudala Community Co-operative Society Limited, Sisters Inside Inc, Synapse Australia Limited - Townsville Correctional Complex (includes Townsville Correctional Centre Farm, Townsville Women's Correctional Centre Farm and Townsville Women's Correctional Centre), QLD
- Central Queensland Indigenous Development Limited - Capricornia Correctional Centre
- Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd - Woodford Correctional Centre (includes Helana Jones Centre, Southern Queensland Correctional Centre and Numinbah Correctional Centre), QLD
- Mobready Pty Ltd - Wellington Correctional Centre (includes Macquarie Correctional Centre) and Francis Greenway Correctional Complex (includes Dillwynia Correctional Centre and Geoffrey Pearce Correctional Centre), NSW
- Dhulawang Aboriginal Corporation - Mid North Coast Correctional Centre, NSW
- The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation - Darwin and Berrimah Correctional Centre (includes Holtze Youth Justice Centre and Datjala Work Camp), NT
- Saltbush Social Enterprises Limited - Alice Springs Correctional Centre (includes Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre and Barkly Work Camp), NT
- Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation - Roebourne Regional Prison, WA
- Meedac Incorporated - Greenough Regional Prison, WA
- Mens Outreach Service Aboriginal Corporation - West Kimberley Regional Prison and Broome Regional Prison, WA
- Warrigunya Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation - Fulham Correctional Centre, VIC
- Karadi Aboriginal Corporation - Risdon Prison Complex, TAS
- Yeddung Mura (Good Pathways) Aboriginal Corporation - Alexander Maconochie Centre (includes Bimberi Youth Justice Centre), ACT
