Improving Indigenous opportunity
The Government has committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians through its Closing the Gap agenda and is investing in remote service delivery, safe and supportive communities, economic participation and healthy lives.
Closing the Gap
The Government is continuing its ambitious program of reform targeted at Closing the Gap between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous Australians.
In 2010‑11, key measures include:
- $46 million in flexible funding to improve remote service delivery
- $38.5 million to expand successful initiatives tackling petrol‑sniffing
- $15.2 million to fund National Indigenous Television in 2010‑11
- $6.9 million for the essential maintenance of Aboriginal Hostels.
These measures are in addition to the $6.3 billion committed to Closing the Gap programs by the Commonwealth, states and territories through COAG from 2008‑2014.
Real progress
Meanwhile, governments' existing programs are making real progress on the ground.
Governments are working together to build 320 new houses in remote areas and refurbish 587 in 2009‑10. Work is on track to meet both targets.
Since mid‑2008, over 22,300 jobs have been filled through the Indigenous Employment Program.
In remote areas of the Northern Territory over 14,000 health checks have been completed since 2007.
Ensuring effectiveness
Ensuring the greatest impact from every dollar spent is essential if we are to achieve the best possible future for Indigenous Australians.
To this end, the first national Indigenous Expenditure Report will be delivered to COAG in 2010. This report will inform future policy development and assist governments in improving the effectiveness of their spending.
Together, these initiatives are improving the wellbeing and opportunities of Indigenous Australians.
Funding of Indigenous National Partnership Agreements 2008‑2014