Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Progress on reformed CDEP

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) has identified the preferred providers to deliver the reformed Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) program for 2009-2012 in remote areas.

Negotiations have begun between FaHCSIA and preferred applicant organisations, with an announcement of the successful providers expected in June 2009.

Preferred providers for the reformed CDEP have been identified through a competitive selection process run by FaHCSIA. Final decisions will be taken following negotiations.

Current CDEP providers who are unsuccessful will be supported to realign their business.

Reforms to the CDEP program will concentrate on improving job readiness for individuals and supporting community development.

To support the reforms, there will be increased incentives for CDEP providers to deliver better employment and training results.

This will include the allocation of increased funding for each participant to provide quality, personalised services.

The selection process is still underway and therefore information about the status of individual applicant organisations remains commercial-in-confidence.

More information about the CDEP program 2009-2012 evaluation process is available at eSub Online website (www.indigenous.gov.au/eSub)