Sweeping changes aimed at providing better opportunities for job seekers in Australia's remote communities start from today.

The new Community Development Programme (CDP) will ensure job seekers are active and making a positive contribution to their local communities.

Speaking from the Milingimbi Community and Work Fair today, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said the reforms would foster stronger economic and social outcomes in remote Australia.

"These changes are the result of what communities have been telling me for years that they want - vibrant places where people are engaged, active and where there are real employment and business opportunities," Minister Scullion said.

"CDP is different to the former Remote Jobs and Communities Programme (RJCP) in that activities will be aimed at supporting job seekers to become job-ready, while helping their community.

"This could include assisting at the local Meals On Wheels service, building furniture, caring for the elderly, walking kids to school or helping at the local arts centre.

"It won't be seismic change overnight but I expect that over the next 12 months, almost 30,000 job seekers aged between 18 and 49 in remote communities will be in work-like activities for up to 25 hours a week.

"It's my intention to develop this programme to ensure activities reflect what communities want and I am determined that remote employment services will build on what has worked well in the past."

The Minister said the reforms would be rolled out gradually over the next year and the Government would continue to work closely with communities and providers to ensure there was a careful transition.

The Government is supporting the introduction of the CDP with $25 million per year to build enterprises that stimulate the economy, provide jobs and foster business activity.