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 will be available to First Nations people, aged 15 years and older, who have been incarcerated, with a known release date, or who are on remand. Support will commence up to 6 months before release and continue for up to 12 months post release.
The REAL Program will focus on personalised mentoring and support to build pathways to employment, education and training opportunities. In addition, the program will facilitate greater connection to culture, Country and language where appropriate. The REAL Program will be progressively rolled out into 2026 in two phases, beginning with an initial grant round for delivery in a cross-section of facilities across states and territories. Broader delivery will occur in Phase 2 and be supported by a future grant opportunity.
Information on how to apply for the grants to deliver the program will be provided on GrantConnect and the DEWR website.
Consultations
The department conducted consultations in 2023 and 2024 regarding the program’s design. draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines were released for feedback 4 March 2025. Submission deadline closed 4 April 2025.
Ongoing consultation will occur throughout the program’s implementation to ensure it aligns with the expectations of stakeholders and the community.
Consultation papers
- A summary of the feedback received from the 2023 and 2024 consultations are available.
- 2024 consultation discussion paper: REAL Program Discussion Paper
- 2023 consultation discussion paper: Prison Employment Services for First Nations Peoples Discussion Paper
Information on how to apply for the grants to deliver the program will be provided on this page when available.