Anthony Albanese announces $75 million for ‘long-term prosperity' as part of Indigenous economic plan in keynote Garma address
Addressing a large crowd on Saturday, it was Albanese's fourth visit to Garma as Prime Minister.
'We must end the stalemate that arises when native title organisations with little in the way of back of house or legal or commercial expertise are expected to negotiate with multinational companies,' Mr Albanese said.
'Today I announce our government will provide $75 million in additional funding to support native title holders to secure better deals, drive faster approvals and deliver a real and lasting economic legacy for communities.'
The Prime Minister said the funding will focus on reforming the model used by prescribed bodies corporate – the legal entities set up to manage Native Title rights – allowing for greater participation, faster decision-making, and more equitable outcomes for traditional owners.
Speaking in East Arnhem Land, Mr Albanese said the investment formed part of a broader commitment to self-determination through economic empowerment and announced the establishment of a new First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance.
'This new approach requires new partnership. Today we bring it into being,' he said.
'Today I announce the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance. The Coalition of Peaks and our government have developed with that, have established a new economic partnership.'
The Prime Minister said this partnership would focus on unlocking opportunities in clean energy, infrastructure and critical minerals while helping First Nations communities move 'beyond passing transactions to lasting partnerships that create and share wealth'.
Albanese also announced a $70 million fund for First Nations-led renewable energy projects, describing the initiative as a way to generate jobs and reduce reliance on diesel power in some of Australia's most remote and sun-drenched regions.
'Today we are opening up $70 million in funding to help get First Nations clean energy projects up and running,' he said.
'This is about renewable energy generating good jobs in regional and remote Australia and making sure that people in some of the sunniest places on the continent, and indeed the world, don't have to rely on diesel generators to light and power their homes.'
The speech marked a shift in focus from the emotional fallout of the failed Voice to Parliament referendum, with Mr Albanese signalling that his government is now concentrating on tangible outcomes.
'There were of course tears about the referendum result,' he said. 'I hope that the presence of such a large delegation is an indication that we have doubled down on our determination to make a difference and find a path forward.'
Joined by a significant number of ministers and MPs including Tanya Plibersek, Jason Clare, and Dorinda Cox, the Prime Minister said his team was committed to delivering 'real and lasting change'.
The Garma Festival, held annually on Yolngu country, has long been a meeting point for Indigenous leaders, political figures, business executives and academics.
This year's theme – 'Ngarrpiya: to stand firm' – was reflected in Mr Albanese's address, which focused heavily on delivery over symbolism.
'Reports and reviews have their place, but they are not a substitute for outcomes, for results,' he said.
'Creating a process matters but is not the same thing as making progress. Delivery is the standard by which all of us must measure ourselves.'
He also highlighted the rollout of Mobile TAFE programmes, investments in remote housing, and efforts to reduce the cost of essential goods in remote community stores.
'This is all about tangible, meaningful change in remote communities so that people can have a secure roof over their head, so they can put food on the table, so that they can trust water from the tap,' he said. 'This is what responding to needs looks like.'
The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to visiting Garma every year for as long as he remains in office.
'I commit here that every single year that I have the great honour to be Australia's Prime Minister, I will be here and engaged with you,' he announced.
'Culture wars are a dry gully. They offer us nothing and they lead us nowhere.
'The way forward is to invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Trust in their aspirations and draw from their knowledge.'
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