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First round consultation summary
In 2023, the department undertook a round of consultations on a proposed new First Nations prison to employment program. The feedback from First Nations communities, justice advocates and employment service providers supported the policy development of the now named Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program.
Key themes
Addressing the needs of a diverse cohort – feedback indicated that people on remand and in juvenile justice should be eligible for the new program. Stakeholders also noted the need for greater support for First Nations women in the justice system.
Coordinating between services – stakeholders identified the need for better alignment of services between prisons, the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and corrections management.
Addressing the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms – stakeholders noted that the new program should be co-designed with First Nations people and delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and other First Nations organisations (supporting Priority Reforms One and Two).
Designing and delivering a culturally safe service – stakeholders highlighted the benefit of program providers being culturally safe and trauma-informed. Non-First Nations organisations should aim to partner and genuinely collaborate with ACCOs and other First Nations organisations.
Extending pre-release support – stakeholders advocated for pre-release support to be extended from the maximum four months under the previous Time to Work Employment Service (TWES). Support at this stage should address both vocational (like skills and training) and non-vocational (like career mentoring) needs. Stakeholders noted that the program should support participants to prepare for release in practical ways such as ensuring they have relevant identification, a current Medicare card and a bank account.
Implementing post-release support – stakeholders noted that ongoing support up to 12 months post-release is needed to help people reconnect with employment, training and community. It was suggested that, where practicable, one caseworker should remain with a participant both pre- and post-release, facilitating greater rapport and better outcomes. Adequate housing was identified as the main non-vocational barrier to employment post-release.
Second round consultation summary
In late 2024, the department undertook a round of consultations on the detailed design of the REAL Program which included in-person and online conversations with First Nations people and communities, justice reform advocates and employment service providers. Face to face consultations were held in all states and territories across Australia. Written submissions were also accepted from 43 different stakeholders. The wide-ranging feedback provided has fed into the design and implementation of the REAL Program.
Key themes
Supporting ACCOs – to support ACCOs and other First Nations organisations to deliver the REAL Program, stakeholders advocated for flexible grant processes, which included extended timeframes for developing grant applications. The importance of REAL Program providers referring their participants to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to receive community-led, holistic health support and wraparound care was also noted.
Addressing the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms and Targets – stakeholders stated that the REAL Program should aim to reduce recidivism (supporting targets 10 and 11), facilitate self-determination of First Nations people and communities (supporting Priority Reform One) and build the capacity of ACCOs and other First Nations organisations to deliver employment services (supporting Priority Reform Two).
The varied definitions of success – REAL Program providers may interpret connecting their participants to employment as success. However, stakeholders identified that for some First Nations people, success may mean reconnecting to Country, communities, families or learning.
The critical nature of continual support – stakeholders acknowledged that mentoring participants up to 6 months pre-release and up to 12 months post-release will provide the continuity of support necessary for successful outcomes. At the pre-release stage, it will be important for mentors to build rapport and develop comprehensive plans collaboratively with participants. At the post-release stage, it will be important to provide personalised support, connecting participants to employment, training and community only as appropriate.
Key components of the REAL Program service model – stakeholders stated that the REAL Program should include: tailored support for a diverse range of participants; coordination between the Commonwealth, states and territories, correctional facilities and providers; trauma-informed and culturally safe servicing, and; flexible contact by providers to ensure participants can access a consistent service regardless of geographic location.
The role of the National Indigenous Employment and Training Alliance (the Alliance) – as part of the REAL Budget measure, the Government also committed $1.5 million over three years to support the Alliance as a First Nations employment services peak body. Stakeholders noted the importance of the Alliance in supporting ACCOs and other First Nations organisations to deliver employment services, including the REAL Program. Stakeholders advocated for the Alliance to play a supportive role in this capacity building to facilitate genuine relationships with smaller community organisations.