Closing the Gap package targets jobs, food costs and women’s safety

The federal government has announced a new set of investments it says will build on “what is working” under Closing the Gap, with a focus on remote jobs, grocery affordability, First Nations women’s safety and community-controlled health.

At the centre of the package is an expansion of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, which the government says will double from 3,000 to 6,000 jobs. The program is framed as a way to create “real jobs” in remote communities with decent pay and conditions, and to support local decision-making about what work is needed and how it is delivered.

“We have delivered record funding in health, education, housing including a $299 million investment to double our successful Remote Jobs program.” – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Cost-of-living measures are also a key feature. The government says it will lift the cap on the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme and expand access so it can be used by all remote stores that choose to participate. It has also flagged support to help remote stores keep stock fresh and reduce waste, including through improvements to store systems and resilience during the wet season, when transport disruptions can be common.

In women’s safety, the government has announced immediate funding linked to a new national plan to end family, domestic and sexual violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children. The plan is presented as the first standalone national plan focused specifically on this issue, with commitments to community-led design and culturally safe responses.

Health is another major component, with additional funding for infrastructure at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and increased support for culturally safe maternal care through Birthing on Country programs. The government has also committed to extending access to 13YARN, the national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including through longer operating hours and a text option.

The government says these measures sit alongside its broader Closing the Gap approach, which relies on partnership with First Nations organisations and the Coalition of Peaks. Critics and community leaders have long argued that progress depends on shifting power and resources to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and ensuring programs are designed and governed locally.

“Closing the Gap only works when governments listen to First Nations people and invest in community-led, practical solutions.” – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

While Closing the Gap includes long-term targets across health, education, justice and wellbeing, the new funding announcements underline a practical message from community-controlled sectors that sustained change is more likely when solutions are locally led, stable and properly funded.