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.

Releasing its submission on the future of Northern Territory Aboriginal communities today, ANTaR calls on both major parties to learn from the international development experience and work with Aboriginal people to plan the transition from intervention to sustainable futures.

“With Government consultations on the future of the Northern Territory Intervention drawing to a close and key Intervention measures due to expire in June next year, we are now at a critical policy and funding juncture”, said Jacqueline Phillips, ANTaR National Director.