The federal and NT governments and the Aboriginal Peak Organisations have reached a new funding agreement all say will enhance service delivery in remote First Nations communities.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the funding agreement in Alice Springs, pledging $842.6 million over six years to deliver the Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment (NTRAI).

Mr Albanese said the investment was part of Labor’s commitment to the welfare and development of the Territory’s rural communities, after being criticised by Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for not doing enough for Alice Springs last week when he was in town.

“The task before us is to build a future where all Australians have access to the same opportunities. My government remains determined to seek better results for Indigenous Australians and help Close the Gap,” Mr Albanese said.

He said the investment will create more than 570 jobs, including over 278 roles specifically for First Nations Territorians.

The Federal Government will collaborate with the NT Government and APO NT to ensure the successful implementation of the partnership agreement.

The funding is specifically earmarked for essential services in remote communities, such as policing, women’s safety, education, and alcohol harm reduction efforts. It will also be used to support the Aboriginal interpreter services and introduce new funding for community development, mediation, and peacekeeping initiatives, Mr Albanese said.

The fund will also be used to support hearing and oral health services, enhance assistance for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and promote the gradual transition of services from government to community control. The investment also involves funding local groups in up to eight locations and providing resources for as many as twelve Aboriginal Community Controlled Children and Family Centres.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the Albanese Government is dedicated to collaborating with First Nations communities in the NT to achieve improved results that align with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

“This investment will ensure remote First Nations communities have access to the critical services they need while supporting communities to lead in their economic and social development,” she said.

NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the funding will boost police efforts in the Territory’s far-flung communities.

“The Northern Territory Government welcomes the renewal of this important funding agreement. This funding supports essential services in remote communities, including $205.9 million for our remote policing efforts,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“All Territorians have a right to be safe from violence, and ensuring our remote communities are effectively policed benefits the entire Territory.”

APONT convenor John Paterson said the newly allocated federal funds were crucial in achieving genuine self-determination for Aboriginal Territorians.

He added the programs funded through the investment go to the heart of what Aboriginal Territorians have supported for decades.

“Investing in Aboriginal self-determination to Close the Gap in the Northern Territory will deliver vital services and programs for our mob in the bush,” Dr Paterson said.

“APONT will work in partnership with governments to make sure this funding hits the ground where it is really needed, and we commit to strengthening this partnership over the next six years.”

NT Senator and Coalition spokeswoman for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said Federal Labor’s funding announcement was proof the Prime Minister is “spooked” about Labor’s chances in the yet-to-be-announced federal election later this year and questioned how the funding would make a real difference.

“He knows the Coalition is setting an agenda for Indigenous affairs which resonates with every day Australians and now he’s scrambling to offer a response,” she told the NT News.

Ms Price added the funding announcement was the continuation of a current agreement already in place and amounted to simply “pouring more money with little consideration of its effectiveness or efficiency”.

“Labor has wasted $350 million in Central Australia without any improvement, so how do they think $842.6 million will suddenly solve any problems is beyond me,” she said.