Policy and Project Priorities

APO NT’s policy and reform priorities will be reviewed and agreed annually by the Governing Group.
The highest priority of the refreshed APO NT in 2021 is ensuring that racism and equity are directly addressed and funding commitments are made in the Jurisdictional implementation plan.

Fundamental to this is implementing the four priority reform areas in the National Agreement to:

  • Strengthen and establish formal partnerships and shared decision-making Build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector
  • Transform government organisations so they work better for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Improve and share access to data and information to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to make informed decisions.

Another priority for the Jurisdictional Implementation Plan is to ensure that the Northern Territory, Commonwealth and Local Governments implement and report on how they have met the key targets areas in Closing the Gap. APO NT will focus on working with Governments to achieve those outcomes and develop the critical areas of housing, early childhood, land and water targets and access to data.

APONT seeks genuine partnership and a commitment from the NTG to also be an equal partner in shared decision making in matters beyond Closing the gap priorities.

This cannot be achieved unless Aboriginal people and their representatives are empowered and resourced across the Northern Territory to drive social, cultural and economic development by providing sustainable long-term employment outcomes and strengthening self-determination through a voice, education, training, businesses and livelihoods.

These priorities remain relevant for 2022, and the following additional priorities are noted:

  • Supporting Implementation of the Generational Strategy for Children and Families
  • Working in partnership with Governments to Co-Design options to replace the NT Remote Aboriginal Investment for 2024-2031
  • Promotion of the APO NT Partnership Principles
  • Reforming Remote Employment and Income Support, including promoting the APO NT model, ‘Fair Work and Strong Communities’.
  • Reviewing the NT government’s Local Decision-Making mechanism through the ‘Everyone together: Aboriginal Affairs Strategy 2019-2029.
  • Establishing an NT Aboriginal Education Peak body or Expert Committee.
  • Continuing to explore incorporating with AGMP.

Additional policy areas of importance to the Governing Group in 2022 are in Appendix III.