The Albanese Government is investing $180.5 million to deliver on its commitment to support local news and community broadcasting, today launching the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) and announcing additional funding for community broadcasting.
The Government recognises local media and community broadcasting as critical to the health of our democracy, social cohesion and informing communities.
The Albanese Government, in partnership with Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, are today launching the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035.
Closing the Gap Target 14 commits governments to a significant and sustained reduction in suicide.
The suicide rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is more than double that of the broader community.
GARY ADSHEAD, HOST: Alright, let's go to the Government now, Patrick Gorman, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, of course he's the Federal Member for Perth as well. He joins me, thanks for your time, Patrick.
PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, Gary, and congrats on a wonderful innings on 6PR.
MICHELLE STANLEY, HOST: Steve in Wembley says 'nuclear started as a bad idea and has now morphed into pig-headed stupidity. Let it go Mr. Dutton'. Do you agree with Steve, I wonder?
Patrick Gorman is the Labor Member for Perth and the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, good morning. Collie doesn't appear to be included in this plan, Patrick Gorman, any thoughts on why that might be?
The Albanese Labor Government is establishing a new remote employment service, to help job seekers in remote areas learn new skills, find pathways into work and strengthen communities.
More than 42,000 job seekers are expected to access the service, including people who are actively looking for work and those who require support to develop skills and become job ready.
Key features of the new remote employment service include:
PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Great to be here at the WACA. You can see that there's huge infrastructure investments that the Australian Government is investing to make sure we have an excellent facility for our community here in Perth in the future. You can see the towers are there for the waterslides that are going to go in. You can see the indoor practice rooms are all coming together. But the announcement that we're here to make today is actually about investing in sport, investing in cricket for women and girls.
Children and young people in Alice Springs and remote communities in Central Australia will have access to a range of free activities these summer school holidays.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing $3.2 million to support community organisations and local councils to deliver youth programs and school holiday activities for the next two years.
Across Central Australia, young people will enjoy a range of health and well-being activities, from AFL and basketball matches to dance-offs, musical talent showcases and ping pong matches.
Three eminent First Nations people have been appointed to the Board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).
Mr Darren Godwell has been appointed as Chair and Ms Leah Cameron and Ms Olga Havnen as Directors.
Indigenous Business Australia plays a critical role in advancing the economic independence of First Nations people through expert business advice, tailored finance solutions and investment initiatives that empower individuals and businesses.
The first round of grants is now open for the Albanese Labor Government’s new Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program, that will create up to 3,000 jobs over three years in remote Australia.
The $707 million program will create much needed jobs in remote areas with real pay and decent conditions, including superannuation and leave entitlements.
Eligible employers in remote areas can now apply for grants to employ local job seekers.
The new jobs will be identified by communities and provide meaningful work for employees and employers.
Fifteen remote First Nations communities are benefitting from free community-wide Wi-Fi thanks to a $20 million program by the Albanese Government to boost connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program is providing communities in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia with improved access to online services, digital literacy, education and training opportunities.
These include: