Budget must demonstrate govt keeping its word to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on Closing the Gap

The peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations is hoping tomorrow’s budget will demonstrate the Albanese government’s commitment to Closing the Gap.

The Coalition of Peaks says the budget will be a test of the government’s resolve, with concrete steps to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a necessity to reassure the nation that it cares about our people.

Acting Lead Convenor Catherine Liddle said it had been a tough year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Everyone is hurting at the moment, communities across the nation are doing it tough, and what we need from this budget is some good news – a sign the Prime Minister is following through on the promises to invest in our communities. That was the promise he made to us,” Ms Lidde said.

“​​This year, on the anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generation, the Prime Minister stood up in Parliament and said he would listen to and partner with us, but what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are seeing right now is business as usual.

“We acknowledge there have been some good steps forward and just recently the investments into housing and employment are likely to have a significant impact. But a fundamental rethink is still required in how governments work with our people in truly equal and respectful partnerships.”

In February, a major Productivity Commission review found Federal, State and Territory Governments were failing in their commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. 

The review warned governments urgently needed to “close the gap between words and action” and end “government knows best” thinking when designing and implementing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Ms Liddle said equal partnerships that shifted power were key. 

“As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we know what is best for our communities, but governments across the board are still not meaningfully giving us a say in the decisions that affect our lives,” she said.

“When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are given ownership over the decisions that affect their lives, the resources they need, and the opportunity to partner with government, we see better outcomes.” 

“Four years ago, the Coalition of Peaks sat down with Federal, State and Territory Governments and agreed that efforts to Close the Gap to date had not been good enough.

“We agreed on a new path forward, based on priorities that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people said were important to us, and with an understanding that we must be equal partners in the process.

“Without significant focus in every budget and in every action there is a risk that the Federal Government is kicking the can down the road. We are looking to the Federal Budget to indicate otherwise.”

Ms Liddle said more funding was needed to deliver the Closing the Gap commitments, noting there had been no significant injection of funding since 2008. 

“We are calling for a dedicated Closing the Gap fund, enshrined in legislation, and directed to Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to support our self-determination,” Ms Liddle said.

Media contact: Iona Salter (Essential Media), 0413 185 634, iona.salter@essentialmedia.com.au