The Federal and Northern Territory Governments, together with the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT), have signed an agreement that will see the money put towards strengthening service delivery in remote First Nations communities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to Alice Springs on Thursday night to announce the new funding agreement.
On Friday morning the federal government pledged $842.6 million over 6 years to deliver the Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment (NTRAI).
In the 2024 federal budget, the government committed $111.1 million over the current financial year towards the fund.
NTRAI is delivered through a partnership agreement with the Northern Territory government and the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT).
“The task before us is to build a future in which all Australians have access to the same opportunities," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“My Government remains determined to seek better results for Indigenous Australians and help Close the Gap.”
Where will the money go?
- Continue to deliver essential services for remote communities including policing, women’s safety, education and alcohol harm reduction.
- Increase funding for Aboriginal interpreter services and provide new funding for community development, mediation and peacekeeping activities.
- Continue to fund hearing and oral health services.
- Strengthen support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and enable the transition of services from government to community-control over time;
- Funding local groups in up to eight locations.
- Fund up to twelve Aboriginal Community Controlled Children and Family Centres.
Funding welcomed
Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory Convenor, Dr John Paterson, said he welcomes the new funding commitment.
“Programs and supports funded through this investment go to the heart of what Aboriginal Territorians have advocated for decades," Dr Paterson said.
“Investing in Aboriginal self-determination to Close the Gap in the Northern Territory will deliver vital services and programs for our mob in the bush."
“APO NT will work in partnership with Governments to make sure this funding hits the ground where it is really needed, and we commit to strengthening this partnership over the next six years."
APO NT convenor John Paterson said the new federal money is another step in the right direction towards enabling true self-determination for Aboriginal Territorians. Source: NITV / SBS News
“The Northern Territory Government welcomes the renewal of this important funding agreement," NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said.
"This funding supports essential services in remote communities, including $205.9 million for our remote policing efforts."
"All Territorians have a right to be safe from violence and ensuring our remote communities are effectively policed benefits the entire Territory.”
Closing the Gap
The Federal Government says the commitment will "offer certainty" for over 570 jobs, including more than 278 jobs for First Nations Territorians.
The Federal Government will work in partnership with the NT Government and APO NT to oversee delivery of the partnership agreement.
The Minister for Indigenous Australians said the money will ensure priority reforms are met under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
“The Albanese Government is committed to working in genuine partnership with First Nations people in the Northern Territory to deliver better outcomes in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap," Minister McCarthy said.
“This investment will ensure remote First Nations communities have access to the critical services they need, while supporting communities to lead in their economic and social development.”
