Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Improving service delivery in remote communities in the Northern Territory

Joint Media Release with:

  • Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Indigenous Health, Member for Lingiari
    Malarndirri McCarthy MLA, NT Minister for Indigenous Development

More than half of the 15 Northern Territory communities identified under the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Service Delivery have now signed off on a plan to work with all levels of government to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.

The remote community of Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island today became the eighth Northern Territory town to sign a Local Implementation Plan with the Australian and Northern Territory Governments. The local East Arnhem Shire Council was also a signatory at today’s ceremony.

Local Implementation Plans, which are developed in partnership with the local community, set out priority actions in the areas of early childhood, schooling, health, healthy homes, economic participation, safe communities, and governance and leadership.

The Plans set timelines for specific actions to be taken by responsible parties, including government agencies and the community, as they deliver real and lasting change.

The Galiwin’ku plan includes an agreement that community leaders, parents and guardians will encourage children and young people to attend school regularly.

Other highlights include:

  • Building a multi-purpose community hall that can be used as a cyclone shelter
  • Starting Yolngu Matha language classes
  • Providing support and mentoring to help develop new businesses
  • Establishing a School Attendance Working Group to provide solutions to encourage children to attend and stay at school
  • Ensuring aged-care services and infrastructure are adequate and appropriate.

Local Member for Nhulunbuy, Lynne Walker MLA, attended today’s ceremony at Galiwin’ku.

Galiwin’ku is one of 29 Remote Service Delivery locations agreed to under the Council of Australian Government’s National Partnership Agreement to improve access to government services for Aboriginal Australians living in remote communities.

The other locations that have signed plans in the Northern Territory are Gunbalanya, Angurugu, Umbakumba, Yirrkala, Yuendumu, Ntaria and Numbulwar.

Under the Remote Service Delivery Strategy, Australian governments have signed up to a concentrated and accelerated approach to tackle deep-seeded disadvantage.

Local communities have been working with governments to develop implementation plans that include tailored solutions to priority needs.

Further information on the Local Implementation Plans is available online at: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/indigenous-australians/publications-articles/communities-regions/local-implementation-plans