In a historic step towards Closing the Gap, the Albanese and Northern Territory Governments have joined forces with the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT) to strengthen service delivery in remote First Nations communities.
The $842.6 million commitment over six years under the Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment (NTRAI) will secure more than 570 jobs, including 278 positions for First Nations Territorians.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the agreement underscores his government’s determination to ensure Indigenous Australians have access to the same opportunities as all Australians.
“Australians want to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Australians believe in the fair go,” Albanese said.
“My Government remains determined to seek better results for Indigenous Australians and help Close the Gap.”
The funding package will continue to deliver essential services such as policing, education, and alcohol harm reduction while expanding Aboriginal interpreter services and investing in community development, mediation, and peacekeeping activities. Additionally, it will fund up to 12 Aboriginal Community Controlled Children and Family Centres to provide coordinated solutions for family safety and child development.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro welcomed the agreement, highlighting its impact on remote policing efforts.
“This funding supports essential services in remote communities, including $205.9 million for our remote policing efforts,” she said.
“All Territorians have a right to be safe from violence, and ensuring remote communities are effectively policed benefits the entire Territory.”
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians, reinforced the importance of working in genuine partnership with First Nations people.
“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,” she said.
“We know the most effective solutions come from local communities.”
The agreement will also fund local groups in up to eight remote locations, empowering them to design and deliver services for their communities. Northern Territory Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Steven Edgington described it as a practical step towards Closing the Gap, giving bush communities a greater voice in decision-making.
“Importantly, it empowers bush communities to have a more active role in community development and decision-making processes,” he said.
“The increased investment in remote women’s safe houses will help provide culturally appropriate support to protect victims and survivors of abuse.”
Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour, whose electorate covers more than 1.3 million square kilometres, hailed the funding as a vital step in improving the liveability of remote Aboriginal communities.
“Remote communities are the lifeblood of the Northern Territory,” Scrymgour said.
“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.”
Dr John Paterson, convenor of APO NT, said the commitment was a testament to Aboriginal self-determination and decades of advocacy by Aboriginal Territorians.
“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,” Paterson said.
“Aboriginal people hold the knowledge needed to improve outcomes for our people and communities.”
With a renewed focus on community-led initiatives, the funding deal represents a significant shift towards local empowerment and long-term development in the Northern Territory’s remote Aboriginal communities.
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