Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

What a wonderful answer I have! I certainly thank the senator for her question—her first from our government benches. I know that the Labor Party has gained a fierce advocate for First Nations people, and I certainly welcome Senator Cox to the team.

When I took on the role of minister just over 12 months ago, I made my priority clear—jobs, jobs, jobs. From Galiwin'ku to Kununurra and from Ceduna to Aurukun—and you're very welcome to travel with me, Senator Liddle—First Nations Australians want employment; they want economic empowerment.

But we know the reality of the job market in remote Australia means government assistance is necessary, and that's why we've developed our $707 million Remote Jobs and Economic Development, or RJED, program. We are in the process of creating 3,000 jobs. These jobs provide the dignity of real work with proper pay and conditions, because First Nations people deserve nothing less. Round 1 of RJED was finalised earlier this year and has resulted in the funding of 650 jobs with 100 different employers, and that builds on the 280 jobs created in the New Jobs Program Trial, which has been transitioned to this program. The second round received over 400 applications from employers wanting to create jobs, many seeking to fill multiple positions. The outcome of round 2 is being communicated to applicants as we speak. Successful applicants will be able to hire local people in their communities to work in jobs they want to do, with fair wages and conditions, including superannuation and annual leave. We are getting on with delivering on our election commitments.