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.

ANTaR says the fourth anniversary of the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) is an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the last four years and shift from intervention to partnership in planning for the future.

“ANTaR calls on the Federal and Northern Territory Governments to partner with Aboriginal people in developing a post-intervention plan to ensure remote communities have a safe and healthy future,” said ANTaR National Director, Jacqueline Phillips.

ANTaR marks Harmony Day by highlighting the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to the cultural and spiritual life of our nation and by calling for action to address continuing racial discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

21 March is celebrated as Harmony Day in Australia and links to international celebrations to mark the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.