The geographic distribution of unemployment-related benefits and CDEP scheme employment

Abstract

The analysis of the geography of unemployment-related benefits and Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) scheme employment yields several insights into Indigenous labour market activity. By simultaneously examining both, it is possible to estimate the proportion of the Indigenous labour force which depends on some form of government assistance. The CDEP scheme also alters geographic patterns of unemployment and long-term unemployment and partially redresses the spatial mismatch of employment demand and Indigenous labour supply. Future policy should focus on increasing the mobility of Indigenous workers across areas, industry and occupation. Show more