Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promises $842 million cash injection for the Northern Territory

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently announced a landmark funding plan in the Northern Territory, pledging to invest AUD 842 million in the region over the next six years. This significant financial commitment aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, ultimately improving the living standards of local residents.

Prime Minister Albanese announced the investment plan at a press conference in Alice Springs, emphasizing that the funds will be primarily used to strengthen services for remote Indigenous communities, covering multiple areas such as policing, women's safety, healthcare, and education. The funding will also be used to support Indigenous organizations in the Northern Territory, and is expected to create and secure more than 500 jobs locally.

Prime Minister Albanese stated, "The task before us is to build a future where all Australians have equal opportunities. This government is determined to achieve better outcomes for Indigenous Australians and help close the gap." He added that this investment is a concrete demonstration of the government's commitment to improving the living conditions of Indigenous people.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler also attended the press conference, describing the funding agreement as "one of the best health funding deals we've ever secured for the Territory." She confirmed that the majority of the funds will be used to "ensure investment in our remote communities."

Previously, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton had claimed that the Albanese government was not doing enough to address crime issues in the Northern Territory. Dutton also visited Alice Springs last week, announcing the Coalition's plan to address crime and other key issues ahead of the 2025 federal election. Nine News federal political reporter Liz Daniels stated that the crime crisis in Alice Springs has attracted national attention and is expected to be the top issue in the Northern Territory during the federal election.