USING TRANSPORT IN REGIONAL COMMUNITIES TO ENABLE WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

“Connecting People to Jobs in Regional SA“

ACTA, in partnership with Local Jobs (North West and Mid North) and Adelaide University, is progressing the project “Using Transport in Regional Communities to Enable Workforce Participation in South Australia.”

Across regional South Australia, employers are struggling to fill roles in key industries, while many individuals remain unemployed or underemployed. A critical barrier is the inability to physically access work, driven by:

• Limited transport options
• Driver licensing barriers
• Financial and administrative constraints

The result is a structurally disconnected labour market, where jobs and workers are not effectively aligned.

A Project Advisory Group comprising representatives from partner organisations, transport and driver training providers, education and training organisations and relevant government agencies supports implementation, oversight and co-design throughout the project lifecycle.

How will the project be delivered?

The project commenced in April 2026, bringing together an Advisory Group made up of organisations across government, transport, employment, education, and driver licensing services. Members include:

• Adelaide University
• Australian Community Transport Association
• Department for Infrastructure and Transport
• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
• Department of Human Services
• Get Home Safe Foundation
• RAA
• Resources and Engineering Skills Alliance
• Uniting Country SA
• Workforce Australia – Local Jobs

The project will run through to November 2026 and conclude with a Final Report presented to the Advisory Group.

At the end of the seven-month project, partners and stakeholders will receive a comprehensive Final Report outlining key findings, evidence gathered, practical recommendations, and opportunities for future action.

The project will be delivered in three phases: