Economic development for remote communities

The Northern Territory Government established an Office or Aboriginal Affairs in 2015, tasked with fostering economic development and job opportunities for Aboriginal communities.

The Office of Aboriginal Affairs (OAA) guides and coordinates Aboriginal affairs through innovative policy development and supports Aboriginal Territorians to participate in the economy, while maintaining their links to their lands, language and culture.

The OAA provides an integrated and coordinated approach to service delivery, program and policy development and supports Aboriginal Territorians to participate in the economy, while maintaining their links to their lands, language and culture.

The OAA provides an integrated and coordinated approach to service delivery, program and policy development. This is in partnership with Aboriginal people, businesses, government and non-government organisations.

The key priorities for the OAA include:

implementation of a Northern Territory Aboriginal Affairs Strategy
promoting the Remote Contracting Policy
managing a Grants Program, the Remote Aboriginal Economic Development Fund
Managing the First Circles Engagement Group, made up of 26 Indigenous community representatives

Chief Executive Mike Chiodo will present on the OAA and their key policy, the NT Aboriginal Affairs Strategy and outline the cross-government approach, targets, challenges and successes to date.