Grants for the remote jobs program are now open!

Grants for the third round of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program are now open and will close on 7 April 2026.

With around 1,700 new jobs already funded across remote Australia, the program is helping to create new jobs that communities want and need, with good pay and conditions (like superannuation and leave).

The Australian Government has also announced its expanding the RJED program with a further $299 million investment over 4 years to create an additional 3,000 jobs, bringing the total to 6,000 by 2030.

Eligible employers in Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) regions can apply for funding to create jobs that can be part-time, full-time or casual and be flexible around personal, family and community obligations.

What can a grant pay for?

An employee’s wages, up to the relevant award or minimum wage rate (whichever is applicable), plus relevant conditions, such as superannuation and leave. This is referred to as the ‘Job Creation’ stream.
Equipment, infrastructure, employee capacity building, on-costs and overheads (e.g. uniforms, a shed, on-the-job training, insurances or operating expenses) which clearly and directly support a job(s) being created. This is referred to as the Community Jobs and Business Fund (CJBF) stream. Please note: This funding can only be applied for in combination with the Job Creation stream, not on its own.

Do you need support or have questions?

If you have questions about the RJED Grant Opportunity Guidelines, a helpdesk is available while grants are open. Contact the Helpdesk on 1800 939 500 or email RJEDHelpdesk@niaa.gov.au.

Grant writing support for applications is available for eligible organisations - those with less than 50 employees and an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million as defined in the RJED Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

If you would like to access grant writing support, please fill in the EOI form and email to RJEDHelpdesk@niaa.gov.au.

Public Information Session

During the grant period, there will be public information sessions held about the RJED program. The sessions will cover:

The RJED Round 3 Grant Opportunity Guidelines
Who is eligible to apply for a grant
The application process
Assessment criteria
What support is available.

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Sessions will be recorded and made available on GrantConnect and the NIAA website. You can register your interest to attend the session on Tuesday 17 March.