Subjects:  Closing the Gap, food security in remote communities, Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment.

SARAH ABO, HOST: Big changes are on the way for millions of Aussie women, with proposed access to new contraception, IUD bulk-billing and endometriosis clinics. It’s part of Labor’s half-a-billion-dollar pre-election pledge to women’s health. Joining me now is Minister for Women and Finance, Katy Gallagher, live from Canberra. Minister, a very good morning to you. This move is very welcome, we both know that, and for a lot of women there’s relief that you’ve pledged this crucial funding at along last.

The Albanese and Northern Territory Governments, together with the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT), have signed a landmark Partnership Agreement to strengthen service delivery in remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory.

The Albanese Government will commit $842.6 million over 6 years to deliver the Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment (NTRAI).

The funding will:

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: We are back for 2025. Welcome back to Parliament for another sitting fortnight. Another opportunity for us to build Australia's future and to talk about the real alternative risks of how people will be worse off under Peter Dutton. And when you are going back to school, or when you are going back to Parliament, you have got to pack your lunch.

A second round of grants is now open for eligible employers to apply for funding to create local jobs in remote communities, as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s new Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.

Jobs established through the Remote Jobs program will have fair pay and decent conditions, including superannuation, sick leave and annual leave.

In response to community feedback calling for a flexible jobs program, the jobs created can be part-time, full-time or casual and flexible around personal, family and community obligations.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: All this talk of the political year starting early, it doesn't really start until you see the Monday panel of choice. Joining me for their first hit out of 2025, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, and former Liberal MP, Jason Falinski. Thank you both for your time. Just going to start, I'm going to play nice for a question for each of you, just to get you in the mood. Because, you know, I'm always cantankerous at the end of the year.

Subjects: Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, Northern Territory prisons, Welcome to Country. 

ADAM STEER, HOST: As I said, the battleground is definitely heating up for the federal election. Some big moves being made in recent days with the federal Opposition pledging to cut 36,000 public service jobs. And over the last day, both major parties now focusing on Work for the Dole schemes in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. 

Subjects: Alice Springs, Northern Territory prisons, Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program.

STEWART BRASH, HOST: Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy joins us. Good morning.

MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: Good morning, Stewart. And good morning to your listeners.

GARY ADSHEAD, HOST: And it is just about 20 minutes to five right here on ABC Drive. And I've got in the studio with me a couple of guys that are probably glad to get out of the heat when it comes to doorknocking. Dean Smith, the WA Liberal Senator, thanks for coming in. 

DEAN SMITH, LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Great to be back, Gary. 

The Albanese Labor Government is supporting young people and developing future leaders in Alice Springs and remote communities in Central Australia with a $34.1 million investment.

Following independent advice from the Central Australia Plan Aboriginal Leadership Group and the broader Central Australian community, $24.1 million will be invested in youth services, promoting the safety and wellbeing of First Nations youth, their families and communities.