While taxpayers have been left to foot a $730,000 bill for the First Nations Ambassador’s travel expenses, the Government is miserably failing on outcomes in the Indigenous Affairs portfolio.
In its fourth year, Labor continues to prioritise politics over progress — dodging scrutiny, wasting taxpayer dollars, and presiding over worsening outcomes in Indigenous communities.
For the first time in 17 years, Labor has cancelled the Senate Estimates Hearing for Cross-portfolio Indigenous Matters, avoiding critical oversight of Indigenous programs and spending.
This move, supported by the Greens, represents a disturbing retreat from transparency in one of the most important policy areas of government.
The Albanese Government’s much-vaunted $300 million Better, Safer Future for Central Australia Plan has failed to deliver either safety or progress. Labor allowed alcohol restrictions in the Northern Territory to lapse in 2023 — triggering a wave of violence and disorder that required millions in reactive spending.
Additionally, the Government’s removal of the Cashless Debit Card has increased access to alcohol, drugs, and gambling, undermining community stability.
The 2025 Closing the Gap Data Report confirms the Government’s lack of results, with four key targets going backwards, including adult incarceration, child development, out-of-home care, and suicide rates. Of the 19 national targets, just four are on track — one fewer than last year.
Compared to 2022 under the previous Coalition Government:
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Youth detention is up 11%
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Suicide is up 9.4%
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Adult incarceration is up 3.5%
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Preschool attendance is down 2.6%
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1.2% fewer children are developmentally on track at school commencement
“The Prime Minister is spending millions of taxpayer dollars, and what does he have to show for it? Zero outcomes, zero accountability, and zero improvement in the lives of Indigenous Australians,” Mr Rebello said.
“Indigenous Australians deserve outcomes, not optics. Labor has been long on symbolism and short on delivery. Real progress means results — not glossy announcements.”
The Coalition, led by Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Kerrynne Liddle, will continue to hold the Government to account and push for policies that deliver tangible outcomes — not empty promises.
