Real Jobs and Fair Pay for Remote Communities: Submission on the Remote Engagement Program
The decision to finally end of the disastrous CDP is welcome, along with the Federal Government’s stated commitment to co-designing pilot programs followed by a new national program to replace CDP. It offers an important opportunity for reform.
This submission argues that the Bill currently before the Committee appears to have good intentions. However, it risks wasting this opportunity for reform because it pushes a model of conditional welfare, instead of one focused on properly paid work.
It is important to highlight that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have articulated clear proposals for creating jobs and promoting positive social and economic development in remote communities. A key example is the Fair Work Strong Communities proposal led by Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT) and endorsed by 40 organisations across Australia.