Aboriginal Culture, Heritage
& Arts Association of NSW

The NSW Government has unveiled a historic $246.8 million investment in the 2025‑26 Budget towards Closing the Gap. For the first time, the Closing the Gap budget has been designed in close partnership with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO), formally entrusting Aboriginal organisations with the power to lead solutions. 

The partnership between the NSW Government and NSW CAPO was forged following the 2024 Productivity Commission report, which confirmed that progress is strongest when Aboriginal people steer policy design and implementation. NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Harris emphasised this partnership’s impact: “Genuine partnerships mean Aboriginal people have a lead role in designing and delivering the policies, programs, and services that impact their lives”. 

ACHAA is a proud NSW CAPO member; as the Peak Body for arts, culture and heritage, our priorities in these discussions are to emphasise the role of community-controlled organisations, particularly through the importance of culture, heritage, and the arts in underpinning key Closing the Gap priorities and targets, and contributing to cultural and social wellbeing. 

At the top of the culture list, 10 new language centres will be developed with an investment of $23.8 million in support of CtG Target 16 that Aboriginal languages are strong, supported and flourishing. 

NSW ALRC Chair Ray Kelly said cultural resurgence builds not just community pride but “a stronger, more sustainable NSW”. 

Investments also focus on cultural engagement with the environment, through Caring for Country, with economic and environmental opportunity. A $12.1 million Aboriginal Employment and Outcomes Program enables Aboriginal people living regionally to work On Country, practicing sustainable natural resource management. Many ACHAA members have flourishing Ranger programs, acting as a powerful reminder that culture and environment go hand-in-hand. 

Recognising that connection and access to Country is at the heart of Aboriginal identity, $17.9 million is committed for Aboriginal organisations, including Local Aboriginal Land Councils, to acquire, rezone and activate land. These steps open avenues not only for employment and cultural wellbeing, but also for cultural tourism, heritage conservation, and sustainable, economic use of Country. 

This Budget marks a shift in its own making, engaging Aboriginal leadership in its design and delivery, moving toward leadership by Aboriginal people as to what constitutes authentic cultural expression and heritage protection. The next challenge lies in sustained implementation, transparency, and accountability, with NSW CAPO playing an oversight role alongside government . ACHAA will continue to strive for better outcomes and opportunities for its member network as we work towards having our own culture-based CtG target, guided always by their knowledge, priorities, and community strength. 

See the NSW Government Media Release regarding this investment for more information.