New streamlined service in South West Queensland to help people get work and strengthen communities

More people in South West Queensland will be helped to get jobs and participate in their communities thanks to the Australian Government’s new $1.5 billion Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP), which starts on 1 July 2013.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Julie Collins today announced the provider to deliver RJCP for the 250,000 square kilometre South West Queensland Region will be MAXNetwork Pty Ltd, subcontracting to Paroo Shire Council.

“The Australian Government believes that everyone who can work should work and those who are not working should be participating in meaningful activities that contribute to the strength and sustainability of their community,” Ms Collins said.

“The RJCP provider will help ensure people in communities like Cunnamulla and Charleville are ready to take up local jobs,” Ms Collins said.

“They will support individuals who are not working to participate to their capacity in training or activities that will contribute to their communities as well as making them more work-ready.”

Ms Collins said the Australian Government has undertaken a competitive, open and fair process to find suitable RJCP providers across remote Australia.

“We are taking four jobs services functions and putting them into one,” Ms Collins said.

“Under RJCP, job seekers including those on CDEP wages, will be able to go to just one provider to get the personalised support they need. And employers will find that their local RJCP provider is able to get to know their needs better, and to help link them up with job seekers who have the skills and drive they are looking for.

“RJCP providers will also be working closely with communities in their region to set out priorities and goals for participation, training, employment and long-term development.

“The program is based on community and involvement. It will encourage and promote collaborative, community-driven, approaches to employment and participation activities.”

Ms Collins said a review of remote employment and participation services in 2011 and subsequent extensive consultations identified what was and wasn’t working in remote communities.

The Government is committed to minimising disruption for job seekers, communities and employers during the transition period.

Further announcements about providers for other regions will be made this week.

Information about RJCP is available at www.deewr.gov.au/rjcp