The group representing Aboriginal health, legal and social services in the Northern Territory is calling for a landmark new agreement with both levels of government on addressing Aboriginal disadvantage in the jurisdiction going forward.
The policy and funding agreement would replace the current bilateral deal between the NT and Commonwealth governments that governs the way remote communities have been funded since the 2006 Intervention.
It comes as the two governments prepare to make a call on whether Intervention-era alcohol bans will be reinstated in Alice Springs.
The Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APONT) group said a "genuine partnership" was needed if social crises like the one playing out in Alice Springs are to be addressed.
In a statement issued late on Wednesday, the group said the situation in the town could not be handled in isolation.
"What we need is for the Commonwealth and NT governments to sit down with the organisations controlled by our communities, and negotiate a formal agreement on new policies, programs and funding to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people right across the territory," APONT spokesperson John Paterson said.
He said APONT was eager to "move on from the Intervention era and urgently get the settings right".
Announced by the then-Howard government ahead of the 2007 election, the Intervention involved immediate, extensive controls over the lives of Aboriginal Territorians in response to a report about child sex abuse in some communities.
The series of policies, which included blanket alcohol bans and forced income management, have been criticised by Aboriginal leaders for exacerbating social problems and disempowering remote communities.
Mr Paterson, who is also the CEO of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT, said APONT was now seeking a commitment from the federal government to enter negotiations over the future of the National Partnership on Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment.
The bilateral partnership, which is due to end next year, provides Commonwealth funding to the NT government for remote services affecting the lives of Aboriginal people, such as schooling and housing.
Mr Paterson said the agreement's looming expiry date provided "an opportunity to build a new approach" based on a formal three-way partnership.
Jerome Cubillo, CEO of the NT Indigenous Business Network, said it was critical that APONT had a seat at the negotiating table and agreed to the new investment package.
"This is what will help make lasting change for our communities and put the yo-yo Interventionist approach to an end," he said.
Chief minister voices support, but resists committing to partnership
In a statement to the ABC, NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said she supported "any agreements that will see improved outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians".
She did not commit to a formal partnership with APONT.
Ms Fyles pointed to the NT's Local Decision Making Policy, introduced by Labor in 2018, which aims to empower Aboriginal communities to take control of their own services and community affairs.
"We are transitioning health services in our remote communities to community-controlled clinics, and continue to sign local decision agreements empowering local people with the decisions they want to make," Ms Fyles said
"The needs we face in the Territory are immense and it is simply not possible for the Territory alone to reconcile issues with roots that predate self-government by many decades."
Meanwhile, Member for Mulka, Yingiya Guyula, has joined calls for both the NT and federal governments to consult with Indigenous leaders, elders and clan authorities across the territory when making decisions that affect Aboriginal lives.
"The NT Intervention tried to take away our authority, undermined our leaders, and demonstrated disrespect for our elders," he said in a statement.
Mr Guyula, whose electorate covers the township of Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula, said governments were "failing because they are bypassing the real leaders" when trying to address issues in Indigenous communities, such as housing, infrastructure and education.
"Don't make shortcuts," he said.
"Come and ask us what we need to solve these problems and work in partnership with us."
The federal government has been approached for comment.
