Coalition of Peaks welcomes historic investment in NT Remote Aboriginal communities
The Coalition of Peaks welcomes the Australian Government’s $842.6 million investment in the NT Remote Aboriginal Investment (NTRAI) agreement, marking a significant milestone in Closing the Gap efforts.
This historic commitment – negotiated in partnership with Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT (APO NT) – demonstrates what can be achieved when governments embed the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Pat Turner AM, Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, said this investment recognises the expertise and leadership of Aboriginal organisations and communities in driving lasting change for their communities. Our organisations know what is needed for their communities.
“This is the first time an agreement of this nature has been negotiated directly with Aboriginal people, in alignment with the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms. It is a critical acknowledgment that solutions must be led by our communities if we are to see real and lasting improvements,” Ms. Turner said.
Over the next six years, this funding will help address critical needs in remote Aboriginal communities, supporting services such as policing, women’s safety, education, and alcohol harm reduction. Importantly, it also provides increased support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) so that service delivery transitions from government to community control, in line with the principles of self-determination.
This investment will strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by supporting community-led service delivery and economic development in remote areas.
Over the next six years, it will:
Establish and fund local groups in up to eight locations to design and deliver services for community, in community, by community.
Fund up to 12 Aboriginal Community Controlled Children and Family Centres to provide culturally safe, community-led solutions to family safety and child development challenges.
Create over 570 jobs, including more than 278 positions for First Nations Territorians, supporting long-term employment in Aboriginal-led service delivery.
John Paterson, spokesperson for APO NT, welcomed the longer-term stability this investment brings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions.
“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,” Mr. Paterson said.
The Coalition of Peaks acknowledges the leadership of APO NT in securing this agreement and commends the Australian Government’s commitment to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This investment lays the foundation for systemic change, creating opportunities for remote Aboriginal communities to access critical services while fostering economic and social development.
The Coalition of Peaks will continue to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions and accountability in the implementation of this agreement, so that Closing the Gap commitments lead to real change for our people.