RICK HIND, HOST: The budgets are coming thick and fast for the Top End. This time yesterday, I was in the budget lockup for the NT budget. Last night, Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered his third federal budget. There's $300 off power bills, whatever your income, and there's $319.50 a week for something called a Commonwealth Prac payment, to be paid to 73,000 eligible nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work students per year. So, how do these two piles of documents interact?

ABBEY CULLEN, HOST: Good morning, you are with Abbey this morning on the Goldfields 981 Triple M. On my line I've got Patrick Gorman, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to talk about all things to do with the Federal Budget announcement. Good morning, Patrick.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE: Good morning, Abbey and good morning to your listeners.

KELLY GUDGEON, HOST: Last night the federal budget was handed down in Canberra, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has called a budget to provide cost of living relief, while also trying to jumpstart a slowing economy and navigate growing uncertainty overseas. And while we have already seen a lot of announcements being unveiled in the last few weeks, the Treasurer has been warning Australians not to expect a cash splash. So, what was in the budget and how will it help? Or how will it impact us here in the Northwest?

The Albanese Labor Government will continue our commitment to ending family, domestic and sexual violence in one generation with further investments to accelerate our efforts.

Violence against women and children is a national crisis. Since coming to Government, ending this violence has been a priority for the Albanese Government.

Funding in this Budget brings the Labor Government’s total investment to over $3.4 billion to support women’s safety and the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.

The Albanese Labor Government is putting women and gender equality at the centre of Australia’s economic plan and is making women’s lives safer, fairer and more equal.

The 2024-25 Budget makes key investments in women’s safety, economic security, health and measures that ensure women can take advantage of the opportunities of a future made in Australia.

Australia Day is a time to reflect on the story of our country, celebrating its diversity and multiculturalism while acknowledging our past.

The Albanese Labor Government is providing $10 million in the Budget for the 2025 Australia Day Events national grant program.

The Government will also provide additional funding of $1.5 million per year from 2024-25 for National Australia Day Council operations.

The National Australia Day Council is given responsibility for inspiring national pride and unity.

The Albanese Labor Government is making a landmark investment in new remote jobs and housing as part of the 2024-25 Budget. These practical measures will accelerate progress to close the gap.

Labor’s Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program is on track to start in the second half of 2024, and is all about self-determination through economic opportunity and community development.

The Albanese Labor Government is making a landmark investment in new remote jobs and housing as part of the 2024-25 Budget. These practical measures will accelerate progress to close the gap.

Labor’s Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program is on track to start in the second half of 2024, and is all about self-determination through economic opportunity and community development.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Call it what you like - push back? Is it a full-on revolt? That's against their Gas Strategy, after the Government unveiled that gas will be used in Australia, despite the fact Labor wants to drastically reduce emissions and do so quicker than the Coalition. Labor says it will use gas even beyond 2050, because it is crucial in technologies including battery production. Joining me now, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, and former Liberal MP Jason Falinski. Thanks both for your time. Patrick, do you want to join the pushback?

The First Nations Reference Group for the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program held its fourth meeting today.

The Remote Jobs and Economic Development program will create 3,000 jobs over the next three years, in remote Australia, to help close the gap in employment outcomes and boost economic opportunities.