Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program Phase 1

Overview

The Australian Government is inviting organisations via an open process to apply to deliver services under Program 1.1 Employment Services from January 2026 to 30 June 2030. In the 2024–25 Budget, the Australian Government committed $76.2 million over 5 years to improve the economic security of First Nations people transitioning out of the justice system and reestablishing themselves in the community. The REAL Program builds on the Time to Work Employment Service and will aim to improve outcomes for First Nations people exiting the justice system by providing support to reestablish themselves in the community. The REAL Program offers pre-release, and post-release supports to help people to reintegrate into their communities and engage with employment, education and training. The REAL Program responds to extensive consultation with First Nations organisations, communities and evidence on how to improve support in the transition from the justice system to employment. The purpose of the grant opportunity is to provide funding to organisations to deliver the REAL Program at specified locations. The REAL Program grant opportunity will offer 6 months pre-release and 12 months post-release personalised mentoring and support. It will help people transition from incarceration into the community by reconnecting with health, housing and other social services, and building better connections to employment, education and training opportunities. In addition, the Program will facilitate connection to culture, Country and language, where appropriate. After 12 months of post-release support, participants will be supported to transition to the most appropriate employment service provider (including Workforce Australia and the new Remote Australia Employment Service) if they are still unemployed after this time.