Ranger Groups Furious as CLP Breaks $12M Election Promise

Funding for NT's Aboriginal Rangers must be restored as a matter of integrity, after the Country Liberal Party Government axed a grants program despite promising it was safe.

Going into the Territory Election last year, Country Needs People worked hard to get NT Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program funding commitments from all parties, including a clear commitment from Country Liberal Party to fund $12M over 4 years.

“Cutting this funding – which has run successfully for many years – doesn’t just affect one ranger, it impacts their whole community, and it breaks a promise to every Territorian,” Country Needs People chief executive Patrick O’Leary said.

“Indigenous Ranger jobs are one of the most positive initiatives happening right around the Territory, and throughout most of remote Australia...We call on Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Treasurer Bill Yan to rebuild their integrity and act now to restore this money to the budget, as they promised unconditionally before the election.”

The Central Land Council (read media release here), Northern Land Council (media release here), NAILSMA (read statement here), Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (read here) and Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (read here) have also condemned the government.

“The CLP has betrayed our trust and puts jobs, cultural knowledge and land management at risk,” Central Land Council Chair Warren Williams said. “This is a slap in the face to the rangers who are out there managing country on the smell of an oily rag, protecting sacred sites and fighting fires in some of the most remote areas of the Territory.

Read the full story in the NT News here.

Sign our NT Petition here

KEY POINTS

The Country Liberal Party Government of the Northern Territory has broken their promise about continuing funding for Aboriginal Rangers through the grants program
Sector groups have spoken up demanding funding be restored and Country Needs People has started a petition to lobby the government

Country Needs People is a national not-for-profit organisation born from the support of hundreds of Traditional Owners around the country.

We pay our respects to all the First Nations people around Australia and their unbroken commitment to keep Country strong on land and sea. We acknowledge Indigenous partners, Traditional Owners, Elders past, present and emerging and extend our appreciation of their support and guidance of our daily work.