An initiative to fund 3,000 jobs in remote areas, driving economic growth and supporting job seekers with tailored employment services and specialised workforce development programs.
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What is the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program?
The Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) Program is a key initiative by the Australian Government, aimed at fostering job creation and economic growth in remote communities. 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
The RJED Program provides funding for up to three years for eligible organisations. The grant amounts available are:
- Round 1: $26.5 million for approximately 378 jobs, this round is now closed
- Round 2: $17.6 million for approximately 252 jobs, opening 4 February 2025 and closing 31 March 2025.
Co-contribution: Co-contributions are not explicitly required under the RJED Program guidelines, but applicants must ensure their proposed activities provide value for money and align with program objectives. The CJBF funding cannot be applied for independently and must be directly linked to the Job Creation Stream.
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program important dates
- Round 2 Applications Close: 31 March 2025, 2:00 PM AEDT
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program objectives
The RJED Program aims to:
- Create 3,000 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 regions.
- Comply with relevant state, territory, and Commonwealth legislation.
- Align with the RJED Program objectives.
- Demonstrate community support.
Job Creation Stream Eligible Expenditure Items:
The Job Creation Stream under the RJED Program focuses on funding expenses associated with wages and employment entitlements for newly created jobs. Key eligible expenditure items include:
1/3 Wages and Salaries:
- Covers salaries at the relevant Award rate or minimum wage applicable to the position.
- Employers must determine and ensure correct pay rates based on skills, job requirements, and applicable awards or agreements.
- Funding includes allowances for penalty rates, overtime, remote assistance, casual loading, and leave entitlements.
2/3 Superannuation Contributions:
- Applicants are required to calculate and pay superannuation entitlements as mandated by legislation and the Australian Taxation Office.
3/3 Leave Entitlements:
- Funding supports compliance with prescribed leave entitlements as per applicable Award or National/State Employment Standards.
The amount of funding provided will vary based on factors such as the type of job created (full-time, part-time, casual), the applicable wage structure (adult or youth wage), and compliance with the relevant employment legislation. This stream ensures fair and equitable funding to support job creation in remote communities.
CJBF Stream Eligible Expenditure Items:
The Community Jobs and Business Fund (CJBF) supports a wide range of expenses directly linked to creating and maintaining jobs under the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) Program. Key eligible expenditures include:
- Facility Modifications: Up to $500,000 for refurbishments such as WHS adjustments, shelters, and office buildings.
- Equipment and Materials: Up to $300,000 for tools, ICT devices, protective gear, and transport solutions, including vehicles and buses.
- Employee Support Materials: Up to $300,000 for mentoring, bespoke training, and programs addressing barriers like literacy and digital skills.
- Organisational Capability Building: Up to $350,000 for HR software, legal advice, workforce planning, and leadership training to enhance employee support.
- On-Costs: One-time funding up to 15% of job creation costs, covering HR/payroll, workers’ compensation, and ICT expenses.
- Employee Services: Up to $200,000 for services like transport, childcare, meal provision, and mentoring programs.
Ineligible Expenditure
The following activities are not eligible for RJED funding:
- Self-employment or commission-based jobs.
- Jobs displacing existing employees.
- Retrospective costs incurred before the grant agreement execution.
- Legal representation and marketing campaigns.
- Purchase of land or overseas travel.
- Administrative costs not directly linked to creating new 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 will be assessed based on four equally weighted criteria:
1. Creating New Jobs:
- Description of proposed jobs and employment types (e.g., full-time, part-time).
- Plan for supporting eligible employees.
- Sustainability of the jobs post-funding.
2. Community Need:
- Evidence of community support (e.g., letters of support).
- How proposed activities align with local needs and priorities.
3. Organisation Capability and Delivery:
- Demonstrated past successes and lessons learned.
- Risk management strategies for the proposed activities.
4. Delivering Outcomes and Economic Benefits:
- Clear justification for CJBF funding.
- Details on how funding will support new jobs and eligible employees.
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.
Information to prepare for the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program application
Applicants must prepare the following:
- A detailed budget specifying funding breakdown.
- Community support documentation (e.g., letters).
- Organisational chart and key personnel details.
- Recent financial statements and Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable).
See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.
Applying for the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program
Applications for Round 1 and Round 2 must be submitted online via GrantConnect by their respective closing dates.
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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