Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:

"This government started their term talking big about First Nations justice, and its first budget in 2022 gave us hope that First Peoples justice would be centred on the political agenda. 

But since then, every budget has seen a decline in Labor’s interest and commitment to First Peoples. 

Three years later this budget offers so little - just more crumbs on the table.

It comes as no surprise that Truth and Treaty are completely off the agenda. The government had made clear they already broke that promise. 

Today’s budget presents $1.3B for First Peoples over six years, but there’s smoke and mirrors here. The majority of this consists of previously announced measures.

Of the $842 million for NT remote community spending, we already know that a quarter of that – $205m – goes to the police, who will only hurt and criminalise more of our people and send more of our children into jail. This will widen, not close the gap.

Hidden behind these numbers too are infrastructure projects that address basic needs such as waste and water treatment in a few communities, which should be part of basic service provision to every community in the country. This is a low bar, and too little too late. 

Outside of the Northern Territory, there is very little support for mob in other states around the country, where we know people are struggling too."

JUSTICE SYSTEM

"While we’re seeing a crisis of youth incarceration around the country, this budget does not once mention the word ‘youth’, and it offers nothing new in targeted support for young people to avoid incarceration. 

There is no additional investment in legal assistance services, or investment in support and diversion for young people away from the justice system.

We know that community-controlled legal assistance services are under massive strain, which is getting worse as state governments ramp up criminalisation of young people and the most vulnerable.

Last year, the government provided far less funding than needed in the National Access to Justice Partnership to meet demand, and they have not corrected that in this budget.

Meanwhile Albanese is funding increased spending on police, with $205m for policing remote communities and $18.9m for policing in Mparntwe Alice Springs.

It’s outrageous that this has been branded as spending to help First Peoples, when we know it will make the gaps in prison numbers worse. 

The measures in this budget that look to help women and children with family violence are good and needed, but when it comes to First Peoples, these must be delivered through our community controlled organisations. 

We have to keep pushing for these services to be delivered for our people by our people."

COST OF LIVING 

"We know so many people out there are not having their basic needs met – safe housing, food, clothing, clean water. A few budget sweeteners, like cheaper beer or $150 off power bills, will do nothing to tackle the deep poverty we see across the country. 

The tax cuts are not targeted to those most in need. It’s irresponsible to give more tax cuts to the wealthy, when so many are doing it tough. This money should have been used for more targeted support for people on lower incomes.

The Albanese government needs to listen to the community and expert advice, including from the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, and significantly and permanently raise income support payments."

POSTIVE INITIATIVES 

"Funding for products to be more affordable in remote stores is a good idea, but it’s still unclear which communities will benefit from this policy. It should be offered to all remote communities.

I'm glad to see that the funding for mental health providers is continuing, with $24.7m for mental health support over four years and scholarships for First Nations psychology students.

However, while we saw $10m provided this year, it’s disappointing to see this funding is almost halved for the next four years, when suicide rates are going up. Why has the government offered less, when the problem has only been getting worse?

The Stolen Generation redress scheme has been extended for another two years, so people can continue to apply for redress. But we know there are problems with people getting over the hurdles to access this scheme, and we know the redress payments have been measly and inadequate. So I will be pushing government to address these issues. 

I also welcome $47.6m for over four years to support culturally appropriate aged care assessments for First Peoples, which will hopefully lead to more appropriate and safe care for our Elders."