Opposition election promise to fund key foundation

The Coalition has pledged to throw millions at a charity that has just received a $57m donation – if elected at the Federal election later this year.

Opposition politicians announced a commitment of $2.8 million annually over the next four years to the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Foundation in Alice Springs.

The move comes after a private donation to the Foundation by earthmoving company QH & M Birt owned by Quentin and Kylie Birt, last month.

The Coalition said its commitment would provide certainty to cover costs of delivering the Foundation’s programs.

“This funding presents a phenomenal opportunity for Central Australia,” Nationals leader David Littleproud said.

“It doesn’t stop there, because as the Coalition knows, a win for regional and remote Australia is a win for the whole of Australia.”

Senator Nampijinpa Price said the announcement was evidence of the Coalition’s commitment to investing in practical solutions for Indigenous Australians which will
inevitably result in stronger communities for everyone.

“The Redtails Pinktails have been operating for many years – putting in hard work diligently and consistently and have been achieving remarkable outcomes for some of our most
marginalised as a result,” Senator Nampijinpa Price said.

“There’s proven success here, and that’s exactly the kind of program the Coalition prioritises investing in.”

While the programs are primarily aimed at young people, Lisa Siebert maintains that youth won’t be the only ones who benefit.

“When young people have a place of purpose and belonging, that impacts their families in a positive way, and provides opportunities for meaningful connection in a broader sense which is felt by entire communities,” Country Liberal Party candidate for Lingiari Lisa Siebert said.

“This project signals an important shift in Indigenous affairs, by providing outcomes for our marginalised by focusing on need over race.”

Foundation co-founder, Mr Rob Clarke noted the broad-reaching nature of the programs that will be able to be established as a result of the Coalition’s commitment.

“While sport will have a key part to play, these programs also provide critical education and leadership development opportunities,” Mr Clarke said.

“Each of these aspects are integral to developing young people who want to contribute to society and who possess the tools which enable them to achieve that.”

As part of their desire to see a reduction in anti-social behaviour, the Foundation intends to include participation conditions which encourage responsible patterns of behaviour.

“These programs are not two-dimensional,” Mr Clarke said.

“We want to not only provide opportunities to learn and develop skills, but to encourage better ways of living in a holistic sense; to empower our young people to be the best versions
of themselves, for the benefit of the whole community and the generations to come.”

Senator Nampijinpa Price said some of Australia’s most marginalised live in and around Central Australia, and the programs would be open to people from those areas, regardless of race.