Whole of Government
Closing the gap for Indigenous Australians
The 2008‑09 Budget provides additional funding of $718.7 million over five years for a package of 37 measures to help begin to close the gap between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous Australians. The Australian Government has set targets for closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage with respect to life expectancy, child mortality, access to early childhood education, educational attainment and employment outcomes. To help meet these targets, the 2008‑09 Budget includes measures related to early childhood, schooling, economic participation, health, community safety and reconciliation.
Measures initiated under the Northern Territory Emergency Response will continue in 2008‑09. The Emergency Response aims to build the foundation for stronger communities and families. In total $426.6 million is provided for the Northern Territory over five years (including $320.9 million in 2008‑09). Ongoing funding requirements for the Emergency Response will be reviewed prior to the 2009‑10 Budget and will be based on the evaluation due to be completed by the end of the year. In the meantime, provision has been made in the Contingency Reserve for ongoing costs associated with the Emergency Response.
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