Media release - Minister Wyatt

In the lead up to the establishment of a new Aboriginal-controlled Commonwealth entity to administer the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA), the Morrison Government is changing the ABA grant guidelines to streamline the process, increase eligibility and provide more funding for projects.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the changes have been developed with the four Northern Territory Land Councils and the ABA Advisory Committee, and are designed to enhance community access to ABA funds while the new Aboriginal-controlled entity is being established.

“The co-designed amendments to the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, currently being considered by Parliament, will activate the potential of Indigenous land in the Northern Territory,” Minister Wyatt said.

“The comprehensive reforms will put more power in the hands of Aboriginal Territorians to invest according to their priorities. In the meantime, we’re getting started straight away with changes to simplify the existing grant process which will remain in place until the new entity is established.

“The ABA has moved to an open funding round, so rather than having to fit applications into two time-limited rounds each year, applicants can work with the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the NT Land Councils over time to develop proposals and bring them forward when they’re ready.

“The changes will also provide greater flexibility in how funding can be used. Projects can now be funded over multiple years, administrative costs can be covered, and grants may be provided for projects that could be, but are not budgeted for, by Government or mainstream sources.

“Non-Indigenous applicants will also now be eligible to apply for funding provided their project will deliver benefits for Aboriginal Territorians, there is no suitable Aboriginal-owned or controlled organisation for the project and where there is demonstrated community support.

“The ABA Advisory Committee will continue to advise me on the suitability of proposals. These changes will make it easier to negotiate agreements and deliver funding throughout the transition to the new entity.”

Information on ABA grants and instructions for how to apply are on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website.