With the announcement of the 2025 federal election, the caretaker period is now in effect.

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Support for First Nations boarding students to finish their schooling

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to support First Nations boarding students from remote and very remote communities to finish their schooling.

More than 50 boarding providers across Australia have been selected to share a $44.2 million investment to support approximately 2,500 First Nations students to attend school and achieve their learning potential.

The investment will enable culturally appropriate care and support for students to promote wellbeing and academic success.

First Nations peoples high on agenda for crisis accommodation expansion

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its goal to end gender-based violence in one generation, with more crisis accommodation services for First Nations communities.

Last year we invested $17.4 million in the capacity of crisis accommodation services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We’re now expanding the program with a further investment of $14.8 million that goes to new organisations and new regions across Australia. It brings the total investment in this program to $32.2 million.

Indigenous Affairs Ministers Meeting Communique

Today, the Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs met via videoconference to consider key measures and strategies to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people and communities.

The Western Australian Minister did not attend the meeting due to the upcoming election in his state. The Tasmanian Minister was unable to attend the meeting but was represented by officials. The Victorian Minister was represented by the Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples.

New partnership with University of Sydney to advance women's economic equality

The Albanese Government is partnering with the University of Sydney to identify practical solutions to drive women’s economic security and equality, drawing on the experiences of women around Australia.

The partnership supports implementation of the Working for Women, the Government’s strategy for gender equality in Australia, and will deliver practical, evidence-based direction for Government, industry and community action to improve economic outcomes for women.

Embedding the right to paid family and domestic violence leave in our workplaces

The Albanese Labor Government is reaffirming its commitment to end violence against women and children in one generation, today releasing the response to the independent review of the paid family and domestic violence leave.

The independent review, conducted by Flinders University, found the leave was “life changing” for those who accessed it and that there was broad stakeholder support from both employers and unions.

It found paid family and domestic violence leave is working as intended, supporting the financial security of those escaping or experiencing violence.

Closing the Gap is a long-term commitment

In the six months since I became the federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, I have heard some inspiring stories of success.

I have met with men and women in Kununurra in WA’s Kimberley region and in town camps outside Alice Springs who have told me about how proud they are to be working.

They are proud - of themselves and each other.

And they want to inspire others, including their children.

Some of them are in their first ever job.

That's life changing.

Ochre Ribbon 10 Year Commemoration

Good morning everyone, it’s Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians.

I’m sorry I can’t be with you in person. 

I’d like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands you’re gathered on, and elders past and present.

And I’d like to recognise the Aboriginal Family Legal Services for a decade of the Ochre Ribbon Campaign.

A decade of raising awareness of family and domestic violence in First Nations communities.

10 years ago, the Ochre Ribbon Campaign was borne from a tragic event.