The Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) is the NIAA’s remote employment scheme, replacing the Community Development Program (CDP).

RAES will introduce a more flexible and strength-based approach to remote employment. Unlike CDP, which has been criticised for failing to meet the diverse needs of remote communities, RAES will have a larger focus on tailored support, community co-designed projects, and culturally safe services.

 It will offer greater mentoring, training, and employment placement support, while also trialling improvements in job seeker assessments and foundational skills development. RAES aims to empower communities and providers to collaboratively address barriers to employment and create meaningful pathways to work. 

ALPA is proud to deliver RAES in the following locations: 

• Galiwin’ku
• Milingimbi
• Ramingining
• Gapuwiyak
• Minjilang
• Gunbalanya
• Jabiru

In addition, and in partnership with regional Aboriginal corporations, we deliver the RAES in homelands across Arnhem Land.

Community Projects

Community Projects have played an important role in supporting remote employment services. While delivering CDP, ALPA established a number of community-led enterprises that generate their own income and pay staff real wages under full award conditions. 

As we transition to RAES, community projects will continue to be a key part of ALPA’s approach. Future projects will be shaped in consultation with communities and aligned with RAES priorities, ensuring they remain locally driven and responsive to community needs.