Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program

In the 2024-25 Budget, the Australian Government committed $76.2 million over 5 years to a new voluntary employment services program to improve the economic security of First Nations people transitioning out of the justice system and reestablishing themselves into the community.

About the program

The Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program is a voluntary program for First Nations people who are on remand or in prison. Services will include personalised mentoring and support to build pathways to employment, education and training opportunities. The program will also facilitate greater connection to culture, Country and language where appropriate. The program offers up to 6 months pre-release and 12 months post-release support for participants.

The program is available to First Nations people who are aged 15 years or over and are:

  • in custody waiting for a court decision (on remand)
  • in prison or a youth justice centre and have a planned release date
  • Their planned release date must be within the next 6 months.

Phase 1 open competitive grant round

Applications to deliver Phase 1 of the REAL Program closed on 15 September 2025. This Phase will deliver services in a cross-section of facilities across states and territories, laying the groundwork for implementation and broader delivery in Phase 2. Phase 2 will be supported by a future grant opportunity.

The grant opportunities will prioritise Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and other First Nations-led organisations, in alignment with Priority Reform Two of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Phase 2 open competitive grant round

The REAL Program Phase 2 open competitive grant round will open in early 2026.

This phase will expand delivery across additional facilities nationally, continuing the program’s focus on supporting First Nations people transitioning out of the justice system and reestablishing themselves into the community.

Further information about the grant opportunity will be provided on this page, and the GrantConnect website.

Phase 2 of the REAL Program is expected to commence in late 2026.

Consultation history

The REAL Program is DEWR’s response to extensive consultation with First Nations organisations, communities and other feedback that has occurred over several years.

2025

In October and November 2025, DEWR undertook consultations in 11 locations to capture ideas for Phase 2 of the REAL Program. Community, interested organisations and people with lived experience provided their insights on flexibility of services, evaluation parameters and advice relevant to phase 2 locations.

Coming soon – Phase 2 REAL Program Consultation Webinar

The REAL Program is DEWR’s response to extensive consultation with First Nations organisations, communities and other feedback that has occurred over several years.

2025

In October and November 2025, DEWR undertook consultations in 11 locations to capture ideas for Phase 2 of the REAL Program. Community, interested organisations and people with lived experience provided their insights on flexibility of services, evaluation parameters and advice relevant to phase 2 locations.

In July 2025 DEWR sought public submissions on the Draft REAL Program Grant Opportunity Guidelines. The guidelines were open for feedback from 4 March to 4 April 2025. This feedback shaped the grant guidelines and refined the program's design and delivery, ensuring it effectively supports participants.

2024

This consultation informed the design and implementation plans for the REAL Program and draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines for Phase 1 of the program. Consultations also informed the REAL Project Fund design.

The consultations were face-to-face and online to maximise opportunities for contributions from stakeholders.

2023

This consultation focused on the policy design for a new program. Feedback highlighted the need for continuity of service through release, referrals, youth support and the benefit of a mentoring service.

The department sought to understand what stakeholders felt was important in the policy design and what had not worked in the Time to Work Employment Service (TWES).

2021

An evaluation of TWES found a need for an improved service model for First Nations people in custody. The evaluation report recommended the program be codesigned with stakeholders who hold local knowledge, lived experience and expertise in the justice system.

Consultation papers