Aboriginal peak bodies, community welfare and public health groups from around the country are calling for a new direction in policies affecting Aboriginal Australians based on cooperation, not ‘intervention'.

The groups support new investment in secure jobs for Indigenous Territorians but raise concerns about the proposed extension of a program that withdraws social security payments from parents whose children don't attend school regularly.

The Federal Government’s announcement today of plans to extend its intervention in the NT reflects a missed opportunity to build a genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities in planning for their future.

“Despite broad calls for the language and style of ‘intervention’ to be abandoned, today’s announcements show a determination to continue on much the same course”, said ANTaR National Director, Jacqueline Phillips.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs were largely spared from major cuts in this year's tough Federal Budget and will benefit from increased investment in health and mental health.

But there was little other significant investment in expanded or new programs to close the gap.