Abbott govt restores indigenous jobs cash

The Abbott government will unfreeze cash for an indigenous employment program to help Aboriginal job seekers in remote areas.

Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion says the previous Labor government's Remote Jobs and Communities Program was poorly designed and implemented.

The $1.5 billion program started in 60 remote communities in July and replaced four previous employment programs, including the Indigenous Employment Program.

Senator Scullion says he's immediately unfreezing $40 million for the Indigenous Employment Program.

"(Remote Jobs and Communities Program) is a disaster, people aren't turning up for work and are returning to alcohol," Senator Scullion said, adding he had to act before it was too late.

The money will be found within existing funds.

Last year, the Senate was warned that indigenous job providers could close their doors because of funding uncertainty.

Mining magnate Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest is leading a review into indigenous employment and training programs which will report back in April next year.