Applications are now open through the Morrison Government’s $50 million National Priority Fund aimed at driving innovative projects to support local jobs.
Up to $1 million is available for initiatives that provide economic and social benefits to their broader community. The fund is flexible and is not simply allocated to each employment region, instead it can be utilised where it is most needed to support job creation initiatives.
It is part of the wider $213.5 million expansion of the Local Jobs Program announced in the 2021-22 Budget.
Funding of $12.5 million per year will be made available through to 2025 to support Australia’s economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic at the community level.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said the National Priority Fund, part of the Local Jobs Program, is a key part of the Morrison Government’s Economic Plan.
‘We know that local challenges need local solutions and the National Priority Fund will help communities address barriers to locals getting into work, as well as any skills and labour challenges that are putting the brakes on the local economy,’ Minister Robert said.
The request for expressions of interest has been released through AusTender and invites interested parties to submit a proposal. Funding will be available for initiatives that end before 30 June 2025.
Applications close 3pm (AEST) on Monday, 16 August 2021. To submit an EOI, visit: https://www.tenders.gov.au/Atm/Show/c231ac95-ae75-4868-98bf-562f28d0d915
The Local Jobs Program was expanded and extended on 1 July 2021 to cover all 51 employment regions across Australia.