9 May 2023
The Territory Labor Government has welcomed the Federal Budget - a budget which supports Territorians and invests in the community.
The Commonwealth's forecast of the Territory's GST entitlement is $1.48 billion higher over the forward estimates than that forecast by the Territory in our 2023 Budget, meaning more investment and population growth.
Cost of living is at the centre of both the Territory and Federal Governments with cheaper medicines and cheaper access to a doctor, along with an increase to the Commonwealth Rental Assistance program to support our working families.
The Territory will also receive $112 million in a one year remote housing agreement, to build more homes.
On top of the generous utilities subsidies announced for all Territorians in the NT Governments budget which was also delivered today, an additional 55,000 Territorians are set to receive additional reductions through the Commonwealth's Energy Bill Relief Fund.
In the Territory, this relief will be provided through electricity retailers with eligibility for households being determined in conjunction with Services Australia and the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities.
Making sure the Territory stays a tourism destination, our national parks will receive a $355 million boost - including Kakadu National Park. Mutitjulu will also receive $93 million to undertake critical capital works to supply essential services, including water.
Central Australia will receive $250 million to curb crime and antisocial behaviour. Together with the Territory Government the Commonwealth will continue to address the decline in services and investment seen by the former Morrison Government.
Funding will begin to flow immediately with $155.9 million over 5 years to support the Better, Safer Future for Central Australia Plan.
Just some of the funding initiatives include $40 million over two years to schools in Central Australia to improve school attendance and education outcomes, and $23.5 million over 4 years to expand the Child & Youth Assessment & Treatment Service and support the development of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation's 'Health Hub' in Alice Springs.
A remaining $94.1 million will be held in the Contingency Reserve pending further work with Central Australian communities and First Nations organisations on the design and implementation of additional measures as part of the plan.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
"The Territory always does better under Labor and today this has been proven.
"The Territory Government knocked on the doors in Canberra and demanded money for Alice Springs and as promised $250 million will now start rolling out, with $155.9 million worth of funding to begin immediately.
"The Territory Labor Government has been advocating for cost of living measures, and this Budget delivers - it will reduce the cost of living through cheaper childcare, cheaper medicines, paid parental leave and affordable housing, and assists the Territory in getting more private investment.
"We are working for the Territory, and making sure we get our fair share."
Quotes attributed to the Treasurer Eva Lawler:
"The Territory Government and Federal Government value the people of the Territory.
"We are focused on easing everyday Territorians cost of living, this is why we are partnering with the Commonwealth to lower power bills for an estimated 55,000 Territory customers.
"The Commonwealth have committed $40 million to education for schools in Central Australia. This is a welcomed investment for the Territory. This investment also echoes the themes we hear through community consultation that informed the Education Engagement Strategy. The implementation of the strategy is in progress with the additional $40 million we will be able to accelerate its delivery."
Northern Territory Government
