Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to our fabulous minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator McCarthy. We know the Albanese Labor government was re-elected with a mandate to deliver jobs in remote communities. Can the minister outline the work being undertaken to deliver on that commitment?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to 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.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cox, first supplementary?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, can you outline the benefits of employment for remote communities and the importance of dignity of work? How is the Albanese Labor government ensuring the program is flexible and responsive to the diversity of these communities and their needs?

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

The senator is right. As someone who visits remote communities throughout the year, I can tell you that there are different needs and aspirations in desert country and sea country. There are different potential industries based on the landscapes, the weather or access to resources. Key to this commitment is flexibility. This program is funding job creation in tourism, agriculture, media, community services, maintenance, culture and the arts. I was able to start a radio station in Borroloola, my hometown, under the former CDEP program. That program was abolished by the coalition. It's why, in Kununurra, I was encouraged to meet Nathalia who's now working for Waringarri Radio, in the East Kimberley, and who's got a job thanks to our new program. This government is building a strong future for people like Nathalia and for our remote communities.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cox, second supplementary?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That's fabulous work there, Minister. The Albanese government prioritises employment opportunities, ensuring all Australians can earn more and keep more of what they earn. Can the minister explain how this is reflected in the new scheme? How do programs she's outlined differ from the government's CDP scheme, and why has the Albanese Labor government changed that approach?

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

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

These guys do not like to be happy, President! They don't want people to be happy. The contrast between that side and this side is we want to see people with dignity in work. We believe in that. You believe in income management and punitive work-for-the-dole practices. So when you abolished the CDEP, you ran a wrecking ball through communities—you did, right across communities—and we are still trying to fix the mess from that period. We are working much more closely with our communities in regional and remote areas than you did.

Senator Price, I haven't seen you in any of these communities, so you wouldn't know what's going on out there! So out of the ashes of the coalition's mess we are building a program that will provide opportunities for and empower First Nations people. (Time expired)