NFPs Called on to Deliver Remote Jobs Program
8 October 2012 at 9:29 am
The Federal Government has called for expressions of interest from service providers to deliver a new $1.5 billion Remote Jobs and Communities Program.
The program, set to commence in July next year, is said to deliver a more integrated and flexible approach to employment and participation services in remote Australia.
The Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Julie Collins, said the new program will deliver better training and support to get local people into jobs and ensure people who are not working are participating in activities that contribute to developing strong and sustainable communities.
“A single service provider will now have a continuing presence in each of 59 identified remote regions around Australia,” Collins said.
“The Government held around 90 information and consultation sessions in remote Australia earlier this year and is responding to the feedback from individuals, organisations and communities.
“The expression of interest period will be longer than usual to give all interested organisations the opportunity to participate.
“They are welcome to do this as individual providers or in partnership with other organisations,” Collins said.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten, said the Remote Jobs and Communities program brings together Job Services Australia, Disability Employment Services, Community Development Employment Projects and the Indigenous Employment Program in remote Australia into a single stream of service delivery.
“Through this program the Government aims to assist job seekers, many of them Indigenous Australians, in regions covering an area of nearly 5.9 million square kilometres,” Shorten said.
“People in remote areas have made it clear they want one employment services provider in their communities to deliver the long-term employment and training solutions they need.”
The Federal Government is investing $1.5 billion in the program over five years.
Expressions of interest for delivery of the RJCP open today and will remain open until November 14, 2012.
Organisations considering becoming a provider need to register with AusTender. Documentation is available at www.tenders.gov.au.
