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

I thank Senator Stewart for the question and for her work in the area of economic empowerment for First Nations people—in particular, for her artwork on her Christmas card, by the way. On 1 November, the Albanese Labor government delivered on its commitment to abolish the failed Community Development Program and to replace it with the new Remote Australia Employment Service, or RAES. For years, remote communities were very clear. The CDP was not working and it focused on compliance rather than opportunity. It did not deliver the real jobs, training or pathways people asked for.

RAES is changing that. It will provide tailored support to around 40,000 participants across 1,200 remote communities. It will help people build the skills they need to become job ready, to move into work when it's available and, crucially, to stay in work through greater access to mentoring and ongoing support.

Where the job market is limited in these communities, RAES providers will engage participants in local community projects that build practical skills and confidence. At least 25 per cent of provider funding will be invested directly into these projects, giving communities the flexibility to design solutions that meet their own employment needs.

This is about shifting from a top-down model to genuine partnership. We've already seen the impact through job trials that informed the design of RAES in Galiwin'ku—just one example. The Miyalk Kitchen has supported 28 Yolngu people to build a thriving community enterprise, creating pathways to long-term employment and even supporting faster delivery of housing projects in the region.