The $3.8 million Aboriginal Community Safety Grant program demonstrates a groundbreaking collaboration between the Federal Albanese Government and the NSW Minns Labor Government, directly investing in Aboriginal community-led responses to family, domestic and sexual violence.
This funding marks a pivotal shift toward authentic, collaborative partnerships between Aboriginal communities and government bodies, aligned with key national strategies like the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2023–2032 and the NSW Aboriginal Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Plan.
“Initiatives like this demonstrate the benefits of state and territory governments working in partnership with First Nations leaders to address the rates of family, domestic and sexual violence in First Nations communities.” – Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek
Projects receiving funding exemplify these partnerships such as the Ngarrra Aboriginal Corporation’s Healing Stronga program, culturally safe pregnancy support through Women Up North and cultural healing initiatives led by Jeff Amatto, which shows the direct benefits of empowering local expertise to drive culturally appropriate outcomes.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, emphasised the importance of these partnerships:
“The Minns Labor Government is working hard to reform the systematic issues that underpin the gap in Aboriginal wellbeing outcomes in New South Wales, including the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal people in domestic, family and sexual violence statistics… and these programs will help drive the change that will make New South Wales safer for everyone.”
The $3.8 million investment reflects an evolution in policy approach (moving beyond consultation towards true partnership) that allows communities to build safety solutions that resonate deeply with their own cultural practices and values.
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