The Albanese and Northern Territory Governments, together with the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT), have signed a landmark Partnership Agreement to strengthen service delivery in remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory.
The Albanese Government will commit $842.6 million over 6 years to deliver the Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment (NTRAI).
The funding will:
- 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 deliver 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;
- Empower remote Aboriginal communities by establishing and funding local groups in up to eight locations that will design and deliver services for community, in community, by community. This includes support for communities to navigate and access economic development and employment opportunities.
- Fund up to twelve Aboriginal Community Controlled Children and Family Centres to provide coordinated solutions to complex issues relating to family safety and child development.
The commitment will offer certainty for over 570 jobs, including more than 278 jobs for First Nations Territorians, and ensure remote First Nations communities can access the services needed to Close the Gap.
The Albanese Government will work in partnership with the NT Government and APO NT to oversee delivery of the Partnership Agreement, ensuring it drives Priority Reforms and improves socio-economic outcomes under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“Australians want to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Australians believe in the fair go.
The task before us is to build a future in which all Australians have access to the same opportunities.
“My Government remains determined to seek better results for Indigenous Australians and help Close the Gap.”
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro
“The Northern Territory Government welcomes the renewal of this important funding agreement.
“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 for remote communities are effectively policed benefits the entire Territory.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy
“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 ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Agreement on Closing the Gap.
“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.”
“Partnering with Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory will ensure critical services are informed by the perspectives of Aboriginal people living in remote parts of the Territory and strengthen the capacity of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to deliver services in remote areas.
“We know the most effective solutions come from local communities. That’s why the Albanese Government will continue to work with the NT Government, APO NT and First Nations communities to develop the services that work best for these communities.”
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Steven Edgington
“This agreement represents a practical approach to delivering our shared commitment to Closing the Gap in the Territory.
“Importantly, it empowers bush communities to have a more active role in community development and decision-making processes.
“The increased investment in remote women’s safe houses will help to provide additional culturally appropriate support required to protect victims and survivors of abuse.
“Under the new agreement, important existing services like remote policing, alcohol harm reduction, Aboriginal Teacher Training and the Aboriginal Interpreter Service will continue.”
Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour
“Remote communities are the lifeblood of the Northern Territory. They are places of deep connection to Country, culture and community.
“I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to improving the liveability of Northern Territory’s remote Aboriginal communities.
“As the federal member of one of the most remote electorates in Australia, with a land mass of over 1.3 million km2 and the highest proportion of Indigenous people, I congratulate the Albanese Labor Government on this substantial investment.
“I am confident the future pipeline of funds committed through this Partnership Agreement will make significant contributions to enhancing the social and economic well-being of the more than 70 remote communities that I represent.”
Quotes attributable to Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory Convenor, Dr John Paterson
“Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT) welcomes this significant commitment from the Albanese Labor Government.
“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.
“Programs and supports funded through this investment go to the heart of what Aboriginal Territorians have advocated for decades.
“Aboriginal people hold the knowledge needed to improve outcomes for our people and communities.
“This investment and commitment from Governments is another step in the right direction toward enabling true self-determination for Aboriginal Territorians.”
