NOTICE
On 28 March 2025, the Governor-General, on the advice of the Prime Minister, dissolved the House of Representatives and called a Federal election to be held on 3 May 2025. The caretaker conventions stipulate that consultations generally do not take place during the caretaker period. However, written submissions can continue to be received by the department and the deadline for making submissions remains 4 April 2025.
We will provide further information about this consultation process following the election.
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Introduction
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, education and training.
The REAL Program will be available to First Nations people, aged 15 years and older, who are 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.
Rolling out in two phases, Phase 1 of the REAL Program will initially begin in a cross-section of facilities across states and territories from the second half of 2025. Full-scale delivery of the REAL Program will occur in Phase 2 with the aim to cover the remaining locations nationally from the second half of 2026.
Consultation
The department has been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to guide the design of this program. Now it is seeking public feedback on the draft Grant Guidelines for this future grant opportunity.
The draft Grant Guidelines outline the eligibility criteria for both participants and activities under the program, as well as the assessment criteria and application process. We welcome feedback on any aspects of the draft guidelines to ensure they meet the program’s objectives.
We want to hear from all stakeholders - whether you are a First Nations person with lived experience of the justice system, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, an employment services peak or provider, live in a First Nations community, or someone who’s interested in improving how First Nations people transition out of the justice system.
