The Coalition Government will invest $1.36 million in Desert Knowledge Australia’s flagship Codes 4 Life program to support better life outcomes for Aboriginal men in Central Australia to boost employment outcomes, reduce domestic violence and address the harm associated with alcohol and drug addiction.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said Codes 4 Life was a remarkably successful community-led program that he was proud to be supporting to educate and engage Aboriginal men with the life skills needed to have a healthy life that supports their family and community.

“Codes 4 Life is a program for Aboriginal men that focuses on identity and responsibility that was developed in 2015 by Arrernte/Alyawarre man Michael Liddle and is delivered in communities across Central Australia.

“By supporting Indigenous men across Central Australia to manage challenges and behaviour, Codes 4 Life is focused on reducing the risk of contact with the criminal justice system.

“Through Codes 4 Life, participants are empowered to be strong leaders in their families and communities,” Minister Scullion said today.

Across the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, the Coalition Government is investing around $250 million each year in projects to increase community safety and wellbeing across Australia.

CLP candidate for Lingiari, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, said supporting safer communities and creating a pathway to employment are critical to better outcomes for Aboriginal communities in the region.

“This program will ensure Central Australian men are engaged and get a better understanding of their responsibilities, and rewrite the legacy they leave for their children and grandchildren.

“Importantly, Codes 4 Life will also generate employment for Aboriginal men in Central Australia with nine new positions.

“Territory Labor takes remote communities for granted. In contrast, the CLP will always be the champions for genuine Aboriginal-designed, place-based and community-led programs that deliver real jobs and real results,” Ms Price said today.