An initiative to fund up to 3,000 new jobs in remote Australia, driving economic growth and supporting job seekers into employment through newly created roles.
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What is the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED)?
With a $707 million investment over three years, the RJED Program seeks to fund 3,000 new jobs in remote regions, supporting job seekers through employment services such as the Remote Employment Services (RES), the New Jobs Program Trial (NJPT), or the Community Development Program (CDP) Trials.
The program provides grants under two funding streams:
- Job Creation Stream – Focused on funding wages and related entitlements for new jobs.
- Community Jobs and Business Fund (CJBF) Stream – Supports costs such as equipment, operational expenses, and infrastructure directly linked to new jobs created under the Job Creation Stream.
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program level of support
Under Round 3 of the RJED Program, the Australian Government has committed up to $94.2 million to support the creation of approximately 1,300 new jobs in remote Australia.
There is no published maximum grant amount per applicant. However:
- CJBF funding is generally expected to be no more than 30% of the Job Creation funding requested.
- Requests exceeding this proportion must be clearly justified and demonstrate a direct link to job creation.
Co-contribution: While cash co-contributions are not required, applicants may include other funding sources or in-kind contributions where relevant. Any additional funding must be clearly explained and supported with evidence where requested.
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program important dates
- Closing: 7 April 2026 at 3:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program objectives
The RJED Program aims to:
- Create new jobs offering fair pay and conditions.
- Deliver more services in remote regions.
- Improve employment outcomes for participants and their communities.
- Enhance socio-economic and well-being outcomes in remote communities.
- Contribute to the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms by increasing employment opportunities for First Nations people.
Projects, activities, and expenditure eligible for Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program support
Eligible projects must:
- Create new jobs in remote Australia
- Align with RJED program objectives
- Demonstrate strong community support
- Comply with all relevant Commonwealth, state, and territory legislation
1/2 Job Creation Stream – Eligible Expenditure
The Job Creation Stream supports employment costs for newly created jobs, including:
- Salaries and wages in line with relevant Awards or agreements
- Superannuation contributions
- Leave entitlements and mandatory employment on-costs
The level of funding provided will vary depending on job type (full-time, part-time, casual), award classification, hours worked, and compliance with employment legislation.
2/2 Community Jobs and Business Fund (CJBF) – Eligible Expenditure
CJBF funding may be used to support costs directly required to bring RJED jobs into existence, including:
- Equipment, tools, vehicles, ICT and protective gear
- Training, mentoring and job-related skills development
- Workplace modifications and fit-out
- On-costs such as HR, payroll, insurance and ICT support
- Employee support services (e.g. transport, childcare, wellbeing support)
CJBF funding must be proportionate to the Job Creation request and clearly linked to the creation and sustainability of RJED jobs.
Where expenditure items are not otherwise specified, the following limits generally apply:
- Training: up to $500 per employee per year
- Property operating expenses: up to $1,000 per employee per year
Applicants seeking CJBF funding above standard expectations must provide a clear justification demonstrating why the additional funding is required to create and sustain the proposed jobs.
Other Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program support
Eligible organisations include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations.
- Companies incorporated in Australia.
- Australian local government bodies.
- Not-for-profit organisations and registered charities.
- Incorporated associations or cooperatives.
- Partnerships and joint ventures with a lead organisation.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program assessment criteria
Applications under the RJED Program are assessed against four equally weighted criteria, each scored on a scale of 1 to 5.
To be competitive, applications must demonstrate strong alignment across all criteria.
1. Creating New Jobs
- Clear description of proposed jobs and employment types
- How jobs will support eligible employees in remote communities
- Plans to ensure job sustainability beyond the funding period
2. Community Need
- Evidence of community engagement and support
- Alignment of jobs with local priorities
- Demonstrated endorsement from the community (e.g. letters of support)
3. Organisation Capability and Delivery
- Demonstrated experience delivering similar projects
- Organisational capacity to manage funding and employment obligations
- Risk identification and mitigation strategies
4. Delivering Outcomes and Economic Benefits
- Clear justification for funding
- Demonstrated economic and social benefits to the community
- Strong link between CJBF funding and job creation outcomes
Applications assessed as “Does Not Meet” the minimum requirements for any criterion will not be funded.
How do I get the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To be competitive under the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, applicants must demonstrate that:
- The jobs are new and genuine, do not displace existing workers, and are expected to continue beyond the funding period.
- The jobs meet a clear community need, supported by evidence of local engagement and endorsement.
- The organisation has the capability to deliver, including sound governance, financial management, and experience employing staff.
- The funding represents value for money, with all requested costs directly linked to creating and sustaining the proposed jobs.
Information to prepare for the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program application
Applicants should prepare the following documentation before applying:
- Itemised budget using the RJED budget template
- Evidence of community support (e.g. letters of support)
- Organisation chart and list of key personnel
- Financial statements (as required by applicant type)
- Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
- Bank account verification documentation
- Details of any additional funding or contributions (if applicable)
Applicants may be required to provide further documentation during the assessment process, and all information must be accurate and complete at the time of submission.
Applying for the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program
Applicants must complete and lodge their application through the GrantConnect website, using the official online application form.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program resources
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