Roper Gulf Regional Council (Council) wishes to clarify recent media reporting regarding the rollout of the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) program.
Council fully supports the intent and design of the new RAES model and believes it will deliver immense benefits to remote communities through genuine employment pathways.
We acknowledge and commend the leadership of Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and Special Envoy Marion Scrymgour MP in developing the new RAES model.
Both have shown strong commitment to improving opportunities for people in remote regions, and we recognise and respect their role and deeply value our collaborative relationship with them.
As stated in our previous joint media release with East Arnhem and Victoria Daly Regional Councils, we stand by our position that regional councils are Aboriginal-controlled, locally elected, and best placed to deliver programs in their own communities.
Our call for a review is not about opposing the new model, it is about ensuring that Aboriginal local government bodies are recognised for the significant role they already play in employment, training and community development.
Our Elected Members have raised questions regarding the assessment process used by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), and we continue to seek clarification directly through appropriate channels.
These discussions are being pursued in good faith, with a focus on transparency, fairness, and collaboration.
Roper Gulf Regional Council works closely with Aboriginal corporations operating under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) and strongly supports their contribution to service delivery in our region.
Under the leadership of Mayor Tony Jack, Council has sought to facilitate dialogue between these community representatives from local Aboriginal corporations and NIAA to help ensure the new program succeeds.
Our focus remains firmly on collaboration and open communication to ensure the Remote Australia Employment Service achieves its intended outcomes by creating meaningful employment, strengthening local capacity, and delivering real benefits for our people.
-ENDS-
Click here to view media release
Media Contact:
Annika Berendes | Programs Communications Officer | annika.berendes@ropergulf.nt.gov.au