ACT Budget strengthens support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
We welcome the ACT Government’s 2026–27 Budget and its continued investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This Budget recognises the importance of strong, community-led advocacy, with funding to support the ongoing role of ATSIEB in representing the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in government decision-making and engagement.
We also acknowledge the increased investment in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), who are delivering vital, culturally safe services across the ACT. This reflects long-standing advocacy from ATSIEB for fair, sustainable, and proportionate funding that backs community-led solutions and self-determination.
ACCOs are trusted by our community and play a critical role in improving outcomes across health, housing, education, justice and wellbeing. Greater investment in this sector is a step toward delivering on Closing the Gap in a way that works for our people.
ATSIEB Chairperson Maurice Walker says, ‘We want to see measurable improvement for our people and a stronger, more connected system that listens and delivers.’
ATSIEB will continue to advocate for:
- equitable and transparent investment across the ACCO sector
- strong, culturally informed services designed and delivered by community
- the importance of government listening to and acting on the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, through structures like ATSIEB
- genuine partnership and shared decision-making with community.
We look forward to working with the ACT Government to ensure these commitments translate into real, lasting outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans.
