Robert Oakeshott (Lyne, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I acknowledge that 'Hear, hear!' from the former Attorney-General. I was worried that I was verballing him or outing him in some form!

At a local level, the post-apology practical work that is happening is a very strong job strategy in our community. We are now engaged with the Arthur Beetson Foundation and Pathways to the Pilbara, placing a strong emphasis on jobs, not only in local Aboriginal communities but also for the benefit of all businesses and all communities locally. It is taking time, but it is proving to be a successful strategy. Many non-Indigenous businesses are now realising that it makes business sense to engage staff in cultural awareness, to employ Aboriginal staff and to really engage in new markets that in the past not have been engaged with.

As part of a parliament and a time which is post the apology but pre the referendum, I do think there is some good work which can be done now. I lament that many of these issues get put off to the promised land of a later date, with one leader or another referring to them as 'aspirational'. There are real things we can do now. One of those things we can do in about five minutes time. We can vote in support of some intergenerational work at a community level—capital gains exemptions for native title recipients—and therefore help the building of resilient communities amongst Aboriginal Australians right throughout our country.

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