Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP)

About the RJCP

Starting on 1 July 2013, the Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP) will build on the strengths of existing services to deliver a more flexible approach to employment, participation and community development for people in 59 identified remote regions across Australia.

The four main programs currently delivering employment, participation and community-development services in remote Australia will transition into the new integrated service — Job Services Australia, Disability Employment Services, Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) and the Indigenous Employment Program.

Under the RJCP, there will be a single provider in each region. The provider will work with individuals, communities and local employers to help more people into jobs and build stronger communities. The program is for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous job seekers in remote Australia. As around 85 per cent of job seekers in these areas are Indigenous people, the RJCP is an important part of the Government’s agenda for Closing the Gap.

The new program is being implemented and will be managed jointly by FaHCSIA and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

FaHCSIA will administer the:

In the transition period, the Department is also working with CDEP organisations to resolve the issue of assets purchased under the CDEP program.

Consultation

The RJCP is based on wide consultation in remote Australia beginning in 2011.  After the announcement of the RJCP in April 2012, around 100 information and consultation sessions on the RJCP were held across Australia during May to September 2012. The sessions provided communities, providers, employers and others with information on the new program and an opportunity to discuss how it may work in different locations.

FaHCSIA also consulted on the draft guidelines for Community Action Plans and the Community Development Fund during March 2013.   Answers to questions raised during the consultation period can be found here:

Final guidelines for both Community Action Plans and the Community Development Fund are provided below.

Selection of RJCP providers

From 2 October to 28 November 2012 the Australian Government opened an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for organisations to apply to deliver RJCP services. Further information sessions were held for potential providers.

Applications have been assessed and successful providers are being announced from late April 2013. A list can be found on the DEEWR website.

Capacity strengthening and support services

To support the new RJCP, the Australian Government is providing capacity strengthening and support services to assist potential providers to deliver the RJCP. Program guidelines and other information about capacity strengthening can be found on the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) program page.

Community Action Plans

Each RJCP region must have a Community Action Plan (CAP) that includes all communities within a region. RJCP providers will work with communities and other stakeholders to develop the CAP. Through the CAPs, communities have a central role and a strong voice in setting out a strategic vision for each region.

Guidelines provide direction on the content, timing, process and assessment of CAPs, as well as a template to assist RJCP providers in CAP development.

Community Development Fund: Guidelines and first grant round

The Community Development Fund (CDF) will provide funding of $237.5 million over five years from 1 July 2013 to support social and economic development and participation across the remote regions. The CDF will fund services and/or activities that provide benefit to Indigenous communities and support the creation of jobs and employment related participation opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous job seekers participating in RJCP. 

The first grant round for the CDF opened on 25 May 2013 and closes on 21 June 2013. Go to the Grants & Funding page for further information and to access the Application Form.

Transition of CDEP program

During the transition to the RJCP, the Australian Government is concerned to ensure that essential activities and community services that have been provided through Community Development Employment Projects are maintained, that CDEP participants remain actively involved in community activities, and that wages continue to be paid to eligible participants.

The Australian Government is therefore providing a two-month extension of funding for organisations currently delivering CDEP and that are not continuing as the lead RJCP provider in the region. CDEP organisations that are involved in sub-contracting to the lead RJCP provider will also have their funding extended.

This assistance for non-ongoing CDEP providers will support continuity of activities and wages as RJCP providers establish their operations and commence their engagement with CDEP participants.

In a number of locations outside the remote regions, current CDEP providers will have their funding agreements extended until 30 June 2014, so they can continue to support activities, community services and the payment of CDEP wages.

Further information is provided in these fact sheets.

Media releases

Further information and inquiries

Further information about the RJCP is available from DEEWR’s website, including all providers announced so far.

Inquiries about the RJCP should be directed to:

Inquiries about the EOI process for selection of providers should be directed to:

(Both hotlines are open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Canberra time.)

Inquiries about Community Action Plans and the Community Development Fund should be directed to:

Inquiries about CDEP transition should be directed to your nearest Indigenous Coordination Centre.

Content Updated: 19 June 2013