Budget 2026: $1.2B Boost for Indigenous Jobs, Health, and Remote Communities

The Federal Government has allocated $1.2 billion in funding towards improving outcomes for First Nations people in the budget, with a major focus on employment and health.

Key Investments

• $299 million will go towards doubling the number of jobs under the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, bringing the total to 6,000 jobs.
• $220 million will fund the nation's first standalone plan to end violence against Indigenous women and children, Our Ways - Strong Ways - Our Voices.
• $167.6 million over four years for 40 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to deliver community-led services for women and families experiencing domestic violence.
• $27 million to expand the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme to all 225 remote stores, lowering the cost of 30 essential grocery items.
• $144 million for health infrastructure in Aboriginal community controlled health services.
• $113 million for education outcomes, including $55 million for the Clontarf Foundation's school support program for young First Nations men.
• $19 million over four years for crisis care support service 13YARN to expand its services.

Criticism and Concerns

Independent Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe welcomed parts of the budget but said the government "failed to deliver" on justice and healing for First Nations people. She highlighted the need for funding to implement recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and more support for legal and diversion services.

"The government talks constantly about Closing the Gap, but you cannot close the gap while underfunding the services and solutions that our communities know work."

SNAICC - National Voice for our Children called the budget a "missed opportunity," arguing it failed to support evidence-based community-led programs. However, CEO Catherine Liddle welcomed the funding for the family violence plan.

"This investment recognises what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have always known, that lasting change comes when solutions are led by our people, grounded in culture, and designed with children, families and communities at the centre."

Positive Step

Senator Thorpe welcomed the exemption of Stolen Generations redress scheme payments from residential aged care asset testing, calling it an "important step towards justice for our Elders."