Albanese government commits $842.5m to boost plan to Close The Gap

The Albanese government will work with the Northern Territory government in a bid to further strengthen service delivery in remote First Nations communities.

The Albanese government has pledged $842.5m over six years in an effort to strengthen service delivery in remote First Nations communities across the Northern Territory.

The partnership agreement between the federal government, Northern Territory government and the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory is part of the commitment on improving socio-economic outcomes under the National Agreement on Closing The Gap.

The commitment will provide more than 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.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the agreement will support many Northern Territorians. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

It’s understood Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit the Northern Territory on Friday to make the announcement.

“Australians want to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

“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.”

Under the new agreement, the funding will be available for Aboriginal interpreter services, funding for hearing and oral health services, and deliver essential services, including policing, women’s safety, education and alcohol harm reduction.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Northern Territory government welcomes the renewal of this important funding agreement.

“This funding supports essential services in remote communities, including $205.9m for our remote policing efforts,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“All Territorians have a right to be safe from violence and ensuring our remote communities are effectively policed benefits the entire Territory.”

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour said many community members will benefit from this agreement.

“Remote communities are the lifeblood of the Northern Territory,” she said.

“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 1.3m square kilometres 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 wellbeing of the more than 70 remote communities that I represent.”

Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton visited Alice Springs to pledge he supports addressing crime across the region. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The prime minister’s visit comes more than a week after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton visited Alice Springs, where he pledged his support, in principle, to the seven “critical” measures to address crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We have been taking an interest in trying to support the people of Alice Springs for a long time,” Mr Dutton said.

“In the previous Labor government, here in the Territory, there was no will to listen to the people of Alice Springs.”

Originally published as Albanese government commits $842.5m to boost plan to Close The Gap