APONT says 2025 Territory Budget does not fulfil the NT’s commitments on Closing the Gap and cannot continue to ignore the sector

The Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory Aboriginal Corporation (APONT) says the 2025 NT Budget announced on Tuesday 13 May does not address the fundamental needs of Aboriginal Territorians.

“Introducing the Budget into Parliament today, the government referenced its three priorities: to reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore the NT lifestyle. This cannot be achieved without working with Aboriginal leadership and the sector to develop real reforms and community-led solutions.” said Dr John Paterson, APO NT Lead Convenor.

“The lack of dedicated funding to strengthen the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector to provide our people with desperately needed improvements, only exacerbates the situation and contradicts commitments the Northern Territory Government have signed up to under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.”  Dr John Paterson said.

APONT noted the disappointing lack of funding for prevention to balance the crime-focused investments of this Budget ignores the evidence and relationships we have on the ground with our constituents and member organisations.

“There is a real missed opportunity to invest in early support and prevention reforms especially for family and domestic violence and justice issues; reforms that Aboriginal Territorians have called for decades. Reforms that will make all Territorians safer...”

“...When the Country Liberal Party came to power, they said they would govern for all Territorians; this Budget represents a worrying direction for the current government.” Dr John Paterson said.

The NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) acknowledged the government’s continued commitments to front-line services, but the Budget lacks a coherent economic development strategy that empowers Aboriginal people to drive their own prosperity and reduce long-term dependency on government programs.

“Aboriginal people are ready to lead and grow regional and remote economies — but we need more. We need real, structural investment in Aboriginal-led enterprises, infrastructure, and workforce development,” said NTIBN CEO Naomi Anstess. As the peak for Aboriginal Businesses, the NTIBN is ready to partner with the NT Government to rebuild the economy for the Territory.

APONT calls on the Government to stay true to its commitments to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap on working in partnership with Aboriginal people, organisations and communities.

“Our work is underpinned by the principle of Aboriginal self-determination, with investment to match the intent of the National Agreement. We call on the government to listen to the community and take our concerns seriously,” said Dr John Paterson.