The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to ensure more people can find work by addressing local employment and community needs through the Local Jobs Program.
Community providers across Australia can now apply for Local Jobs, Local People grant funding to develop innovative solutions that address local workforce needs and create pathways to employment in their employment region.
Under Local Jobs, Local People, individual grants from $50,000 to $250,000 will be available.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the grants would support projects that led to ongoing, secure employment and established clear pathways for people experiencing barriers to employment.
“Local Jobs, Local People grants will play an important role in empowering communities to strengthen their labour markets, address workforce shortages, and break down structural or systemic barriers to employment,” Mr Neumann said.
“The grants will help communities across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Dows area to develop initiatives that make a meaningful difference, tailored to the distinctive needs of our local job markets.
“Local communities know their areas best. With an understanding of its workforce needs, employers and industry, the Local Jobs Program gives local communities like ours the power to drive their own solutions to address their own specific needs.
“In a region like Ipswich, where we experience a lot of economic and social disadvantage, and higher than average youth unemployment, this support is really vital and it will help get more people into good secure jobs.
“I strongly encourage community groups in Blair to apply for funding so we can get more locals into work.”
Local Jobs Local People grants will fund activities that address critical sectors by supporting businesses to employ local people in ongoing roles and providing additional support services for those facing systemic barriers to paid employment.
Successful grants will demonstrate a strong focus on First Nations peoples, mature
age Australians, migrants and refugees, and young people. They will also provide
opportunities in sectors facing skill shortages including construction, care and
support, digital and emerging technologies, and the energy transition.
The Local Jobs, Local People grants are a key part of the additional $62.6 million
investment the Australian Government is making in extending the Local Jobs
Program until 30 June 2027.
Grant applications close Wednesday, 24 September 2025. More information can be
found at: https://www.dewr.gov.au/local-jobs/local-jobs-local-people
