Indigenous groups say ‘mixed bag’ federal budget gives boost to health but neglects legal services

Senator Lidia Thorpe accuses Labor of splashing money on ‘toothless’ voice to parliament at expense of other services

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Indigenous organisations say the federal budget is a “mixed bag”, while independent senator Lidia Thorpe says the government has spent money on a “toothless” voice to parliament at the expense of legal services.

The Albanese government says it is investing $1.9bn in Aboriginal and Islander initiatives including $424m for closing the gap, $364m over two years for the voice referendum and $263m to address violence against First Nations women and children.

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