Policy Issues for the Community Development Employment Scheme in Rural and Remote Australia

By J.C. Altman, M.C. Gray and R. Levitus

One of the most important programs for Indigenous community and economic development is the
Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) scheme.

CDEP employs around 35,000 Indigenous Australians and accounts for over one-quarter of total Indigenous employment. This paper reviews the evidence on the social and economic impacts of the scheme. The available evidence demonstrates that the scheme has positive economic and community development impacts and that it is cost effective in achieving these outcomes. The paper argues that the CDEP program should continue to be supported and resourced and outlines options for future policy directions in regard to Indigenous economic development and the role of the CDEP scheme.

DISCUSSION PAPER No. 271/2004

CENTRE FOR ABORIGINAL ECONOMIC POLICY RESEARCH