Anthony Albaneses government pledges $1.3billion to Indigenous communities as part of efforts to close the gap

The Albanese government has pledged $1.3billion to Indigenous communities as part of its efforts to close the gap, but critics argue the funding have little effect on reducing inequality.

Budget papers reveal that $842million will be allocated over six years to support remote communities, improving policing, womens safety, health, and education in partnership with the NT Government and Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT.

An additional $506m will be invested over five years to advance First Nations outcomes under the Closing the Gap agreement.

Much of the funding in Tuesday nights budget had already been announced, including $50m set aside to reduce grocery prices in remote communities.

Key investments also include $21.8m for domestic and sexual violence services for First Nations communities, $27.4m to improve access to culturally safe mental health care, and 150 scholarships for Indigenous psychologists over the next four years.

An additional $9.2m will go towards improving the detection, monitoring, and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in remote communities. 

Over two years, $70.9m will be allocated to expand homeownership opportunities for  while over three years, $3.4m will support initiatives to increase womens participation in business. 

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government is committed to supporting Indigenous groups in achieving economic self-determination. 

The Albanese government has pledged $1.3billion to Indigenous Australians as part of its efforts to close the gap

Key investments include $50m to reduce grocery prices, $27.4m for mental health care, and $21.8m for domestic violence services

Were providing $1.3b for Closing the Gap and economic self-determination for First Nations Australians with investments in remote community services, opportunities for business, and support for home ownership, he said.

Pat Turner, lead convener of the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations, welcomed the budget, and said it signals the Governments deeper commitment to Closing the Gap and investing in stronger partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This Budget gives us cause for cautious optimism, she said.

A significant portion of the funding will be channelled through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak organisations.

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.

However, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe criticised the Budget, and said it offers just more crumbs on the table for Indigenous Australians.

It comes as no surprise that Truth and Treaty are completely off the agenda. The Government had made clear they already broke that promise, she said.

Senator Lidia Thorpe slams the budget as more crumbs on the table

One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson argued Indigenous programs lack transparency and have failed to reduce inequality 

Of the $842m for NT remote community spending, we already know that a quarter of that – $205m – goes to the police, who will only hurt and criminalise more of our people and send more of our children into jail.

This will widen, not close the gap.

Hidden behind these numbers, too, are infrastructure projects that address basic needs such as waste and water treatment in a few communities, which should be part of basic service provision to every community in the country.

This is a low bar, and too little too late.

One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson argued Indigenous corporations lack transparency and have failed to reduce inequality.

Large amounts of exclusive funding for Indigenous corporations in this Budget will again be allocated with no transparency and no accountability for closing the gaps, she told Daily Mail Australia.

One Nations policy takes this sort of racial privilege out of the equation. I have always advocated for equality for all Australians and for assistance to be based on need, not race.

One Nation will dismantle racial privilege and finally put a stop to the Aboriginal industry gravy train.

Indigenous Australians in genuine need will not miss out on assistance, but they will have no more assistance than anyone else in genuine need. All Australians in need will be treated equally in this regard.