The Australian Government has committed $76.2 million over 5 years to a new voluntary program to improve how First Nations people transition out of the justice system and into employment.
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 languages, Country and culture 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. The program will expand nationwide under a second grant round. Organisations will be selected to deliver the program through competitive grant processes.
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.