Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory will benefit from $8 million worth of projects to be supported through the latest Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA) funding round.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said 27 organisations would be funded to deliver 30 one-off projects.

“The organisations that will receive funding this year primarily focus on supporting Indigenous enterprises, growing Indigenous employment and improving community infrastructure,” Minister Scullion said.

“One of the projects will develop an outdoor area in Alice Springs specifically designed to support children’s learning and physical and emotional development. Another will combine culture and tradition with a new enterprise to support Indigenous bush-based medicines through the making and selling of soaps and balms.

“A key outcome of the ABA is supporting employment opportunities for locals. Through these 30 projects, it is anticipated that 175 new jobs will be created for First Australians.

“I thank the ABA Advisory Committee for its advice and support through this grant funding round.”

The ABA was established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and is funded by payments from the Australian Government equivalent to the value of royalties paid by mining interests on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory.

A list of projects that have been identified for the negotiation of funding conditions is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.