The Northern Territory (NT) Government has broken its 2024 election commitment to Aboriginal Rangers. 

In the lead-up to the 2024 Northern Territory election, the Country Liberal Party (CLP) made a clear and public commitment of providing $12 million in funding over four years for the NT Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program. But now, in its first budget released on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, the NT CLP Government has broken that promise. Despite its strong pre-election pledge, there is no funding for the Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program in the 2024 budget.

Several of ICIN's members, including the Central Land Council (CLC), the Northern Land Council (NLC), Thamarrurr Development Corporation, Tiwi Rangers and the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Ltd (NAILSMA) are outraged and speaking out in hope of overturning this decision. 

Warren Williams, Central Land Council Chair said:

"Your fine words before the election about supporting the bush ring hollow when you turn your backs on one of the proven success stories in remote community development as soon as the election is over...our rangers and the country they care for, deserve better. They will remember your backflip, as will voters." 

Thamarrurr Development Corporation said:

"We are concerned about media reports that the CLP is withdrawing its commitment to provide $12 million over four years to the Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program. This program plays a vital role in supporting local jobs, youth engagement, and community-led work on Country. Cutting this funding directly contradicts the government's stated commitment to addressing the root causes of crime. Employment and cultural programs on Country are among the most effective early intervention strategies. They provide purpose, connection, and opportunity—especially for young people. Removing this support undermines efforts to build safer, stronger communities. We are urgently writing to the Chief Minister to seek clarification on these reports."

Matthew Ryan, Northern Land Council Chair said:

"This puts at risk the work of all those who rely on our lands and seas, including Territorians and visitors who are here to enjoy the Territory lifestyle."

NLC said in their statement: These grants help fund important work that Aboriginal rangers do such as managing feral animals, protecting sacred sites and fighting fires across remote parts of the NT.   

Tiwi Rangers said:

"We are really worried about the CLP withdrawing its commitment to provide $12 million over 4 years to the NT Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program. This program has been so important for us – it has provided critical capital and project funding for community-led work on Tiwi Country. It has supported land management and cultural knowledge projects, our Junior Ranger Program and training. Employment and cultural programs provide purpose, connection, and opportunity – how can we build safer and stronger communities without them?"

Barry Hunter, NAILSMA CEO said:  

NAILSMA calls on the Finocchiaro Government to honour its Election commitment and deliver the crucial funding as promised. The Chief Minister must do the right thing and ensure that this critical funding remains available for Aboriginal Ranger groups across the Northern Territory.”

The Network urges interested parties to sign the Country Needs People petition, so that the NT Government is held accountable for this decision and that funding is reinstated.