Federal Budget contains encouraging signs on Closing the Gap – but sustained investment and leadership are needed: Indigenous Peak body
The Federal Budget's $8.5b Medicare package and investments in early childhood, education and family safety will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, their peak body has said.
Coalition Peaks Lead Convenor, Pat Turner AM, said these budget measures signal the Government’s intent to deepen its commitment to Closing the Gap and invest in stronger partnerships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector.
“This Budget gives us cause for cautious optimism. Investment across all sectors where our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled services are is important – and we look forward to working with all governments, in genuine partnership, on how those investments are designed, governed and delivered," Ms Turner said.
Key announcements in areas such as mental health, early childhood development, economic participation, data sovereignty and infrastructure reflect a growing recognition of what is required to achieve long-term structural change.
“We’ve seen what’s possible when governments work with us, not around us," Ms Turner said.
“The Department of Health and Aged Care has shown, time and again, what genuine partnership looks like – in workforce, suicide prevention, and maternal health. These aren’t just policy wins – they’re proof. That when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lead, outcomes improve.”
The Coalition of Peaks represents more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak organisations.
Together with governments, the Peaks are implementing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap – a landmark agreement built around four Priority Reforms aimed at changing how governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“These reforms were never just about new programs.They are about shifting power – through shared decision-making, by strengthening our community-controlled sector, and through greater access to data and accountability," Ms Turner said.
She emphasised that these investments are not only good policy – they’re also smart economics.
“Every dollar invested in Aboriginal community-controlled organisations delivers better value. It drives stronger outcomes for our people, builds local economies, and makes public spending more effective — because the work is done with community, not to community.”
Next Steps
As part of the first-ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led review of the National Agreement, the Coalition of Peaks is inviting community voices to help shape the future. Find out more here.