First Nations Telegraph

NSW Government improving investments in Indigenous communities

[supplied by Hayley Corbett]

 Image: supplied

A new report outlines how the NSW Government is improving its investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure effective and efficient spending to create more positive outcomes.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outcome Budgeting Landscape Report outlines how NSW Government agencies are aligning their budgeting and business planning to achieve the National Agreement on Closing the Gap priorities.

The report recommends increased cross-government collaboration; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific performance indicators developed in partnership with communities; breakdowns of financial resources allocated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific programs and services; and a progress report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes in the State Budget.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the Government is committed to improving transparency and accountability to drive improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“The NSW Government is continuing to improve its whole-of-government work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create better outcomes,” Mr Kean said.

“This report highlights where government budget allocations have assisted measures to close the gap and where there are opportunities to improve.”

In alignment with Closing the Gap Priority Reform Three (Transforming government organisations), the report aims to bring a greater focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes, to ensure that public resources are allocated strategically based on outcomes.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the report will help align government agencies and support evidence-based investment into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“This report will assist government agencies to draw lessons from other departments and promote further cross-collaboration so we’re working more effectively together across government to improve effective and tangible outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mr Franklin said.

“We have so much more to do in the health, education, housing and family services sectors to improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in NSW and I really look forward to listening to what they have to say.”

Read the full report here: https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/fnobl