Labor's aged care funding in the Northern Territory has been welcomed by the Aboriginal Medical Alliance, which commended the government's "genuine willingness to act".
On Friday, the Prime Minister visited Darwin for the first time in the election campaign, unveiling a $60 million health and aged care plan for the NT, part of which will be used in partnership with a local aged care provider to deliver residential care homes for the Darwin region.
Mr Albanese said the announcement was alongside "a record $560 million towards hospitals in the Northern Territory and today our new health and aged care plan will build on this record investment".
It will also see upgrades to Mparntwe's Medicare Mental Health Centre, as well as a Youth Specialist Care Centre and a Headspace Plus in the Territory's capital.
Made before the caretaker period, the decision will see at least 120 new residential care beds in a city with the fewest in the nation.
"This funding for a new residential care home in Darwin means older Territorians will be able to better access aged care services in their community," Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said.
"Our Elders play an important role in our communities, and it's essential they receive the best care and support."
Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT) chief executive, Dr John Paterson, said the Indigenous medical alliance welcomed the announcement.
He argued it showed a "genuine willingness to act" in "critical areas" such as aged care and youth mental health, noting they are "vital to improving long-term outcomes for Territorians".
"The record investment in health and aged care presents a significant opportunity for meaningful progress.," Dr Paterson said.
"It demonstrates a genuine willingness to act—particularly in critical areas such as aged care and youth mental health, which are vital to improving long-term outcomes for Territorians."
The Territory has the largest percentage of First Nations people of any jurisdiction, and the government holds three of the four elected positions from the NT in parliament.
Senator McCarthy said the announcement was "another example of the Albanese Labor Government delivering for Territorians, with record new health and aged care funding across the NT".
Dr Paterson said the Urgent Care Clinics are easing pressure on hospitals and the "overstretched primary care services," as well as reducing medivac arrangements.
"The more care we can provide within local communities, the better the outcomes. Initiatives like these support culturally safe, community-based care that keeps people closer to home and their families," he said.
The government also reaffirmed their proposed $10.1 million funding to CareFlight—matched by the opposition— to purchase an additional King Air B250 aircraft to better service the Top End.
