ALBANESE’S ALICE SPRINGS ANNOUNCEMENT NOTHING NEW

The Albanese Labor government has announced $842.6 million over six years as part of its Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment plan.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said the funding was nothing more than a continuation of the longstanding Northern Territory-Commonwealth agreements that date back to the Howard government.

Senator Nampijinpa Price noted the current agreement was set to expire in mid-2025, so today’s announcement was little more than an attempt by Anthony Albanese to save himself on the eve of an election.

Anthony Albanese’s announcement in Alice Springs today also follows a visit to the town by the Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton last week.

Senator Nampijinpa Price said “the Prime Minister is spooked. Alice Springs is in the electorate of Lingiari which his government holds on a margin of just 0.9%. 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 Nampijinpa Price said the Prime Minister’s decision to spruik internal audit processes was clear evidence that his government has been failing to ensure money is being used effectively.

Senator Nampijinpa Price said Anthony Albanese’s approach was 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.”

“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,” said Senator Nampijinpa Price.

Senator Nampijinpa Price said the Albanese Labor government were just trying to hold on to their Northern Territory seats ahead of the election. “If that wasn’t the case, then they would have agreed to the seven requests made by the Northern Territory government in December 2024 including an audit of federally funded programs and the implementation of practical measures to improve community safety.”

“Unlike the Albanese Labor government, the Coalition believes in practical and meaningful solutions. That is why we have committed to in-principle support for all seven requests made the Northern Territory Government and will be working tirelessly to ensure government spending is effective and efficient across the board,” said Senator Nampijinpa Price.

Senator Nampijinpa Price also took aim at the claims that the announcement would improve self-determination for Indigenous Australians.

“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.”

“Indigenous Australians don’t need more reliance on government - that won’t change their lives. What we need is a thriving private sector where people in remote communities can utilise their land for economic development without red, green and black tape getting in the way,” said Senator Nampijinpa Price.

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Media Contact: Rebekah Hart (0459 893 181)