The Federal Government has announced it has begun seeking potential providers for its $1.5 billion Remote Jobs and Communities program, which is aimed at delivering a more integrated and flexible approach to employment and participation services to remote Australia.

 

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Julie Collins, called for expressions of interest from service providers to deliver the program when it begins on 1 July next year.

 

“The new program will deliver better training and support to get local people into jobs and ensure people who are not working are participating in activities that contribute to developing strong and sustainable communities,” Ms Collins said.

 

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten said the Remote Jobs and Communities program brings together Job Services Australia, Disability Employment Services, Community Development Employment Projects and the Indigenous Employment Program in remote Australia into a single stream of service delivery.

 

“Through this program the Government aims to assist job seekers, many of them Indigenous Australians, in regions covering an area of nearly 5.9 million square kilometres," Mr Shorten said. 

 

“People in remote areas have made it clear they want one employment services provider in their communities to deliver the long-term employment and training solutions they need.”

 

The Australian Government is investing $1.5 billion in the program over five years.

 

Organisations considering becoming a provider need to register with AusTender. Documentation is available at www.tenders.gov.au.

 

Anyone wanting to attend the information sessions should contact the DEEWR Employment Services Purchasing Hotline on 1300 733 514 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register their interest.