Aboriginal people living in the Northern Territory now have access to more jobs in their local communities and job opportunities according to a report released by the Federal Government.

 

The Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory Monitoring Report found that in the six monthes leadin to December 2011, more than 865 Aboriginal people were employed a a result of the services provided under the Northern Territory Emergency Response.

 

The monitoring report shows continued improvements in community safety due to the presence of 60 extra police and the important role of night patrol services operating in 80 communities.

 

More results show that confirmed assults had declined by 30 per cent in 2010 and by a further 7 per cent in 2011.

 

Other services delivered in the last six months include:

  • Around 3,183 breakfasts and 4,511 lunches across 73 communities through the School Nutrition Program;
  • 222 new primary health care service positions within the Northern Territory;
  • 1,690 dental follow-up services were provided to 1,377 children;
  • 90 licensed community stores with 11 stores funded to build local capacity and improve food security;
  • Almost 10,000 young Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory participated in the Youth in Community program to help stay connected with school or training, build confidence and reduce self-harm and alcohol and substance abuse;
  • The Mobile Child Protection team investigated and provided follow up services to families and children in 1,030 matters; and
  • 211 clients were supported to access safe places for crisis accommodation.

 

School enrolment numbers have increased by 373 students in the two years to November 2011 and more than 50 Aboriginal people working in schools have achieved higher qualifications in the past six months.

 

However, average school attendance for students in remote communities remains low at just under 60 per cent.

 

The report can be found here