The NSW Government has published a landmark report that identifies the Government’s spending on First Nations people and communities. The Comprehensive Indigenous Expenditure Report (CIER) goes beyond the State’s commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and identifies funding that is specifically targeted at First Nations people, as well as general funding that benefits First Nations people.

Key findings 

In 2020-21, it is estimated the NSW Government spent $5.48 billion on First Nations communities. This includes $4.5 billion in non-targeted expenditure in the following clusters:

  • $1.1 billion in Health
  • $1.5 billion in Education
  • $1.9 billion in Stronger Communities

The CIER will assist the State make effective policy reforms and tailor funding to improve the lives of First Nations people in NSW.

Interim Indigenous Expenditure Report

The NSW Government will spend a record $1.1 billion on Indigenous-specific programs, services and initiatives this financial year to improve outcomes for First Nations people. New South Wales was the first state to publish an interim Indigenous Expenditure Report (IER) (March 2022).

Key findings 

The largest Clusters of Indigenous-specific spend in 2021-22 are: 

  • Planning, Industry and Environment Cluster ($373.0 million) 
  • Stronger Communities Cluster ($243.2 million) 
  • Education Cluster ($194.0 million) 
  • Health Cluster ($109.0 million). 

The largest spend categories are: 

  • infrastructure with $316.6 million in 2021-22, an increase of $87.2 million 
  • crisis services with $151.0 million in 2021-22, a decrease of $8.7 million 
  • education with $140.4 million in 2021-22, an increase of $10.1 million. 

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Read more about our support for First Nations people and community.

Last updated: 21/10/2022