NT ELECTION 2024: Where do the Pollies Stand on NT's Aboriginal Rangers Grant Program?

Country Needs People worked hard with our partner network and supporters in the NT to get a clear commitment from all parties to secure funding for the NT Aboriginal Ranger grants program.

The 2024 NT election is now finalised. So where did the pollies stand in the 2024 NT Election?

For the last eight years, the Territory Government has been running the Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program. This program provides key funding for Aboriginal land management and conservation projects and critical infrastructure and equipment. The program is a positive contribution to the Indigenous land and sea management sector and practically useful to our Territory Aboriginal partner groups.

Due to this proven success, Country Needs People has been campaigning for the Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program to be continued. Specifically, we asked the NT Government and major parties to commit to securing and strengthening the program over the next 4 years.

Here's what the parties had to say in response:

The Greens

The NT Greens have committed to $15 million over 4 years with an additional $5 million capital fund to allow groups to invest in equipment and other expenses. On 14th August, 2024 NT Greens stated: "At this NT election, we're proud to commit to $15 million in funding over 4 years, with year-on-year increases to keep up with rising costs, plus a $5 million capital fund."

See their statement here.

Labor

NT Labor have committed $12 million to continue the Aboriginal Ranger Grants program over the next four years. On 5th August, 2024 Territory Labor stated: "A re-elected Lawler Labor Government will boost funding for the Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program, increasing our commitment to $12 million for the next 4-year funding cycle."

See their statement here.

Country Liberal Party

The Country Liberal Party Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Parks and Rangers, Bill Yan MLA made the following public statement to the Centralian Advocate Newspaper printed in their August 15 edition, “The CLP remains committed to the Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program, and if elected, we will fully fund the program with $12 million over four years.”

See their statement here.

*UPDATE:

As of NT Budget handed down on 13th May 2025 we report the CLP has broken their promise to Territorians and cut Aboriginal Ranger Program Grants funding entirely. We are working to see integrity in commitments with money restored to the budget.

Other parties and independents

Yingiya Guyula MLA (Mulka)

Yingiya Guyula MLA has committed to continuing funding for the Aboriginal Ranger Grants program.

You can see his statement online here.

Graeme Sawyer (Wanguri)

Graeme Sawyer has committed to continuing and strengthening funding for the Aboriginal Ranger Grants program.

You can see his statement online here.

Justine Davis (Johnston)

Justine Davis has committed to continuing funding for the Aboriginal Ranger Grants program.

You can see her statement online here.

Country Needs People will never tell you how to vote, that’s your choice, but we will work to ensure all governments support Aboriginal Rangers and their work caring for land and sea into the future.

KEY POINTS

We asked NT pollies to make a pre-election commitment to securing and strengthening NT Aboriginal Ranger Funding Grants Program.
Labor and the Greens committed to increased funding.
CLP stated they were committed to the Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program, and if elected, would "fully fund the program with $12 million over four years.” (Bill Yan).
Key Independents committed their support also.

Indigenous rangers Featured article Northern territory country needs people nt aboriginal rangers Territory