Albanese’s NT funding plan ‘nothing new’ – Opposition

Shadow Indigenous Affairs Minister Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has criticised the Federal government’s $842m fund to Clpse the Gap as a political stunt by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in attempt to “save himself on the eve of an election”.

Senator Price said the current agreement, which is set to expire in mid-2025, dates back to the John Howard government.

“The Prime Minister is spooked,” Senator Price said.

“Alice Springs is in the electorate of Lingiari which his government holds on a margin of just 0.9 per cent. He knows the Coalition is setting an agenda for Indigenous affairs which resonates with everyday Australians, and now he’s scrambling to offer a response.

“The Albanese Labor government have had nothing to offer Indigenous affairs since the failed referendum, so they are doing the only thing they know how – pouring more money with little consideration of its effectiveness or efficiency.”

Senator Price accused the Prime Minister of being lazy and irresponsible.

“It is imperative that our solutions are actually going to improve the lives of marginalised Indigenous Australians rather than just sounding like a lot of money,” she said.

“Right now, we must examine the legislative and bureaucratic structures that already exist. That means looking at land rights legislative reform and examining bodies like land councils and statutory authorities.

“Labor has wasted $350 million in Central Australia without any improvement, so how they think $842.6 million will suddenly solve any problems is beyond me.

“The fact is, there are too many bodies and organisations with too little to show for us to be satisfied that throwing more money is going to make any meaningful difference,.”

Senator Price said the Labor government were just trying to hold on to their Northern Territory seats ahead of the election.

“Self-determination doesn’t come from $842.6 million of government welfare and more government funded jobs, it comes from economic independence and learning to standing on one’s own two feet.”