Another Step for Priority Reform Two of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap

Media Release

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP

Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Morrison Government has taken another step to deliver on Priority Reform Two of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap - building the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector. 

The Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT) will be provided $1.2 million over three years to build its strategic policy capability in order to represent and advocate on behalf of the territory’s community-controlled sector.

The investment is part of the Morrison Government’s $46.5 million Strengthening the Community-Controlled Sector Fund. 

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the APO NT investment will support new staff, stronger governance, and the production of content for members and the community. 

“The cornerstone of Priority Reform Two is that the best outcomes for Indigenous Australians are achieved when Government works in partnership with community leaders and the community-controlled sector to develop policy,” Minister Wyatt said.    

“That’s why we’re reshaping and deepening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, communities and organisations. The APO NT is a key partner in linking organisations and this funding will help sustain their work.

“It will support APO NT to further develop its strategic policy, strengthen its governance structures and develop communications materials for its members.”

The funding will be provided to APO NT through one of the partners in the alliance, the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA).

NAAJA Chief Executive Officer, Ms Priscilla Atkins, said the funding will enable APO NT to expand its role under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

“As part of the Closing the Gap work, all parties are responsible for significantly more involvement and accountability and this includes the community-controlled sector.

“With this additional investment, APO NT can build its capacity and introduce new capabilities to engage, participate and contribute to more regular and detailed meetings and forums at the community, regional, territory and national levels,” Ms Atkins said