Labor promises more ‘dignified’ jobs under new remote work program

Labor has scrapped a controversial remote work program on the election eve, promising its version will create more dignified jobs. Read the details.

Each party has offered their own remote work programs. Pictures: Gera Kazakov

Labor has long had the Coalition’s controversial remote work scheme, the Community Development Program (CDP), in its sights.

Territory Labor MLA Chansey Paech labelled the program a “work-for-the-dole” initiative, likening it to “modern day slavery” back in 2018.

Now on the eve of the federal election, Labor has finally committed to replacing the scheme, introducing the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program, which Indigenous Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said would bring “the dignity of work, with decent wages and conditions” to remote Indigenous Australians.

Indigenous Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said Labor’s remote work program was more dignified than the Opposition’s program. Picture: Supplied

Erina Early’s union, United Workers Union, represents many Indigenous workers in remote communities.

Ms Early said under the CDP, workers did not have “the workplace rights that all other Australians expect”.

“Under the CDP people in remote communities were performing crucial job roles which should have attracted pay and conditions like any other job, but simply did not,” Ms Early said.

United Workers Union NT secretary Erina Early has often criticised the CDP. Picture: Fia Walsh.

“For example workers acting as translators in schools and childcare centres did not receive super, leave or wages and were working for the dole despite coming to work every day and providing such an essential and valuable service.”

The RJED, Labor argues, provides more decent employment than the CDP through the provision of conditions such as superannuation and leave.

Ms McCarthy said RJED would eventually replace CPD. Picture: Martin Ollman

Ms McCarthy said 650 jobs with 100 employers had already been created through RJED following its successful trial, with up to 3000 more jobs to come.

The $707m program is determined through grants rounds, with the first round closing on February 3 and the next closing on April 7.

“Labor went to the last election promising to replace the failed CDP program, only Labor will deliver on that commitment,” Ms McCarthy said.

“These jobs will help build skills, experience and contribute to Closing The Gap in employment outcomes as well as contribute to remote communities and their economies.”

Last time he was in Alice Springs, Peter Dutton said he was also concerned about remote employment. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The Coalition has maintained its “strong support” for a work-for-the-dole program, promising “meaningful employment” to Indigenous Australians.

“There are many aspects of work that could be meaningful and you need to have a will to do it, and the Territory government has that will,” Opposition leader Peter Dutton said in Alice Springs in January.

“Given the importance of connection to country as well, there’s a lot of work meaningfully that can be done in communities around housing projects.”