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)?
The Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program supports employers to create meaningful jobs with fair pay and conditions in remote Australia.
The Australian Government is investing over $950 million through the program to create 6,000 new jobs by 2030. More than 3,000 jobs have already been approved for funding.
Developed in partnership with First Nations people, the program supports jobs that reflect local community priorities and help people move into paid employment.
Funding supports job creation and associated costs through the Community Jobs and Business Fund (CJBF).
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program level of support
Successful applicants will receive funding for wages at the relevant award rate, or the National Minimum Wage where no award applies, plus superannuation.
Employers can also seek CJBF funding for costs directly related to creating the funded jobs, including:
- Equipment and assets.
- Minor capital works.
- Supervision and mentoring.
- Training and employee capacity building.
CJBF funding must be sought alongside Job Creation funding and cannot be applied for independently.
Funding allocation, grant limits and detailed funding conditions will be confirmed in the current grant round’s opportunity guidelines.
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
Funding will support new jobs across Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) regions.
Proposed jobs must:
- Be supported by the local community and aligned with community priorities.
- Employ RAES participants, people eligible for RAES, or young people.
- Be new positions rather than replace existing employees.
- Not already be supported through other government funding.
Jobs may be full-time, part-time or casual.
Eligible expenditure includes wages and superannuation, together with approved CJBF costs directly related to creating the jobs.
Existing positions, jobs already supported through other government funding, and CJBF projects without associated RJED job creation are not eligible.
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 employers must operate, or intend to operate, in a RAES region.
NIAA currently lists eligible organisation types including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations.
- Australian incorporated companies.
- Incorporated trustees, associations and cooperatives.
- Partnerships.
- Joint ventures or consortia with an eligible lead organisation.
- Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations.
- Australian local government bodies.
- Certain Commonwealth entities and companies within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio.
- Individuals or sole traders seeking to employ another person.
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program assessment criteria
In previous rounds, RJED applications were assessed against four equally weighted criteria, each scored from 1 to 5.
Applicants should demonstrate strong alignment across all criteria and consult the current round’s grant opportunity guidelines when available to confirm any changes.
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?
To prepare a strong application:
- Consult the local community about the jobs it wants and needs.
- Gather evidence of community support and alignment with local priorities.
- Define each proposed role, its duties and employment arrangements.
- Prepare a budget covering wages, superannuation and any requested CJBF costs.
- Demonstrate that the jobs are new and are not already funded by another government program.
- Check the Round 4 guidelines and application requirements when released.
Information to prepare for the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program application
Prepare the following information ahead of applying:
- Organisation details and evidence of legal entity status.
- The location of proposed jobs within RAES regions.
- Job descriptions, proposed hours and employment arrangements.
- Evidence of community consultation and support.
- A budget showing applicable wage rates, superannuation and associated costs.
- Details and justification for any equipment, assets, minor capital works, supervision or training requested through the CJBF.
- Information explaining how the organisation will recruit, employ and support eligible workers.
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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