Better results for Indigenous Australians

The Government is providing for stronger Indigenous communities. Important measures being implemented in this Budget target Indigenous disadvantage. The Government is also implementing improvements to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).

Employment assistance for Indigenous Australians

Unemployment, family violence and substance misuse are major problems in many Indigenous communities. ATSIC's largest programme, the Community Development and Employment Projects (CDEP) programme tackles these pressing problems.

Currently, under CDEP, over 35,000 people participate in activities that benefit themselves and their communities.

At a cost of $62 million over four years, this Budget will expand CDEP by 1,000 places a year. Participants in these new places will undertake duties such as night patrols to assist communities to overcome family violence and substance misuse problems.

Further, Indigenous employment opportunities will be improved by providing interest subsidies and related assistance to help Indigenous people set up small businesses. Indigenous Capital Assistance, will be allocated $11 million over four years.

Access and participation in higher education by Indigenous Australians will be enhanced with an additional $12 million over four years in scholarships and equity support. This comes on top of the $25 million already provided each year.

ATSIC reform

Organisational changes will separate ATSIC's two roles of providing policy advice and administering major programmes for Indigenous people. These changes aim to deliver better value for money for Indigenous people.

From 1 July 2003, a new agency, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services will administer Indigenous programmes to enhance administration of government expenditure, thereby creating best practice outcomes in employment and housing.

The new arrangements will free ATSIC's elected arm to focus on big picture policy issues and overall funding priorities. Regional councils will be given greater opportunity to be involved more closely in Government consultations