Community Controlled Sector Investment Supports Closing the Gap

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government will provide a $46.5 million co-contribution over four years to build the capacity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled service delivery sector.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the funding is a significant contribution towards the priority reforms identified in the new Closing the Gap National Agreement.

“The Morrison Government recognises the only way to Close the Gap is for Indigenous Australians to own, commit to, and drive improvements in life outcomes,” Minister Wyatt said.

“All Australian governments have agreed that strengthening the community controlled sector is a priority reform and I look forward to co-contributions from each jurisdiction to further support these organisations.”

“With a renewed focus on shared responsibility, the Morrison Government is doing its part to ensure the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled sector is supported to deliver services to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.”

Lead Convener of the Coalition of Peaks, Ms Pat Turner AM said “the Coalition of Peaks fought hard to put Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations at the centre of the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap. They deliver better services for our people, get better outcomes, protect our cultures and employ more First Nations people in their home communities.”

“This new funding for the initial delivery of Priority Reform Two will help strengthen and build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector to deliver additional services to First Nations people, including in new areas like housing. The Coalition of Peaks are looking forward to all governments stepping up and making their contribution.”

“The funding complements the commitments in the National Agreement on Priority Reform Two that will also bring additional funding to community-controlled organisations over time "and more jobs for First Nations people.”

The new National Agreement on Closing the Gap was signed by the first Ministers of each of the Australian governments, the Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks and the President of the Australian Local Government Association.

• Understanding Priority Reform 2 – Building the Community-Controlled Sector - PDF 480 KB | DOCX 174 KB