Government Pledges $840 Million to Support Remote Communities and Prevent Them from Being Neglected

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The federal government is injecting new funding into programs and services in remote communities in the latest efforts to Close the Gap.

The $842.6 million Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment will target areas such as women’s safety, policing, education and alcohol harm reduction.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the six-year agreement was critical to ensure “governments deliver real solutions” and remote communities “are not left behind”.

“Australians want to close the gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians and we know we are frankly not doing well enough,” he told reporters from Alice Springs on Friday.

Albanese pledged every dollar of the new funding would “make a difference to people’s lives”.

“If things are not working, we will change them, intervene to make sure the dollars go to where they are anticipated, which is improving the lives of Territorians,” he said.

The agreement, signed by the federal and NT governments, and the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT), seeks to transition services from government to community control over time.

The package includes the creation of eight local groups that will deliver services for communities and 12 Aboriginal community-controlled family centres.

Interpreter services will get a boost under the agreement and hearing and oral health services will continue to be funded.

Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the most effective solutions come from community.

“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.

Close-up of a woman with dark frizzy hair and wearing a white top

Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said new funding will enable Indigenous communities to access critical services. Source: AAP / Amanda Parkinson

APO NT convener John Paterson said the investment is a step in the right direction toward self-determination for Indigenous 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,” he said.

“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.”

NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro also welcomed the agreement.

“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 our remote communities are effectively policed benefits the entire Territory.”