Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the supplementary question. A priority of the NAIF is improving First Nations outcomes and contributing to closing the gap, and all projects backed by the NAIF need to create and implement an Indigenous engagement strategy that is tailored to the aspirations of the local community. NAIF's proponents have so far created more than 1,100 jobs for Indigenous Australians, and projects have spent over $80 million supporting Indigenous businesses. For example, the NAIF has provided a $150 million loan to Charles Darwin University's Education and Community Precinct, which reports 12.5 per cent Indigenous employment. The Minister for Northern Australia has also instructed NAIF to deepen its investment in social infrastructure, particularly housing, that benefits First Nations communities.