NSW Budget funds Aboriginal language and housing initiatives

The NSW Government has allocated $33 million on an Aboriginal social housing strategy as part of this year's Budget.

Source: AAP

The NSW Government claims it is 'leading the nation' on Aboriginal initiatives in this year's Budget.

The focus for the forthcoming financial year will be on: Aboriginal social housing - with $33.1 million over four years; an Aboriginal languages program - with $2.8 million to establish a dedicated body; 'social impact investment' - with $10 million over four years for economic development opportunities; and an expansion of the Clontarf Foundation's school program - with $3.75 million allocated.

“NSW is leading the nation in social impact investment – in the past five years we have commissioned more than $200 million in outcomes based contracts which are improving the lives of 16,000 vulnerable people across our State,” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said in a statement.

The establishment of a new 'Aboriginal Languages Trust' follows the NSW state parliament passing Australia's first Aboriginal language protection legislation in October.

“The NSW Government will work diligently alongside Aboriginal communities to ensure

the Trust is as effective as possible,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Sarah Mitchell said in a statement.