Researchers call for urgent rethink of remote policy

Researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) have called for an urgent rethink of the Federal Government's Community Development Programme (CDP), a work-for-the-dole style initiative for remote areas, after a report found it is causing major problems. The CDP was introduced in July 2015 and includes around 34,000 people of whom 84 per cent are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The program replaced the Remote Jobs and Communities Programme (RJCP) and the earlier Community Development Employment Program (CDEP). Report editor Dr Kirrily Jordan said the program has significant ramifications for Australia's remote communities. "We're getting reports of people going hungry and not able to feed their kids," Dr Jordan said. "In some places there are reduced store sales, a big increase in those falling behind in rent, people are unable to pay back fines which puts them at risk of imprisonment, and we're hearing about increased tensions in communities because of conflicts about money." The new scheme increased the number of hours required for most people to receive unemployment benefits from 15 hours a week in CDEP to 25 hours a week, for at least 46 weeks per year. In contrast participants in jobactive, the equivalent program in regional and urban areas, generally have much less onerous work for the dole requirements, and only for six months of the year.