Indigenous Affairs Ministers Meeting Communique

The Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs met via videoconference this week (Tuesday 9 September) to discuss key priorities and strategies to improve outcomes for First Nations people and communities.

In reaffirming their commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement), Ministers emphasised the importance of working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Funding boost for mental health support in Mutitjulu and Yulara

First Nations young people in the remote communities of Mutitjulu and Yulara in the Northern Territory are benefiting from access to free mental health support through headspace’s cultural outreach service.

The service will receive an additional $504,385 through the headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program for infrastructure upgrades. 

Today Assistant Minister McBride visited Mutitjulu and met with staff and young people who attend the headspace outreach service.  

Practical skills to create healthy homes in Central Australia

Practical skills to create healthy homes in Central Australia

The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening families and communities in Central Australia through a new $4.9 million program to build home and life skills. 

The Safe and Healthy Homes Skills Development Program will deliver hands-on and practical support to build useful skills in areas like cooking, meal preparation, home maintenance and parenting.

Medicare Mental Health Centre coming to the Alice Springs

Alice Springs residents will soon have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care with a new Medicare Mental Health Centre set to open.

The centre will offer mental health support and care for people in distress, without the need for an appointment, referral or mental health treatment plan.

Staffed by a multidisciplinary care team, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person who visits the centre.

First Nations leadership reaches historic APS milestone

The Australian Public Service has reached a significant milestone, with 100 First Nations staff now in senior executive service (SES) roles – delivering on the APS’ commitment to better reflect the community it serves.

The SES100 initiative was established as part of the government’s APS reform agenda and seeks to encourage more First Nations staff to apply for senior positions.

More choice, lower costs and better care for NT women

Thousands of women in the Northern Territory are already saving hundreds of dollars and gaining better access to essential care, thanks to the Albanese Government’s Women’s Health Package.

New figures released last week during Women’s Health Week show the impact of recent changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and these benefits are set to be even greater next year with the rollout of our cheaper medicines plan, including $25 scripts for non-concession card holders.

More choice, lower costs and better care for NT women

Thousands of women in the Northern Territory are already saving hundreds of dollars and gaining better access to essential care, thanks to the Albanese Government’s Women’s Health Package.

New figures released last week during Women’s Health Week show the impact of recent changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and these benefits are set to be even greater next year with the rollout of our cheaper medicines plan, including $25 scripts for non-concession card holders.

Radio interview – 3KND

Subject: Camp Sovereignty.

LEILA GURRUWIWI, HOST: We're going to speak now to Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. Senator, are you there?

MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: I am Leila. Hello.

LEILA GURRUWIWI: Hello! How are you?

MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Happy birthday to Aiden.