Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

In the words of Tony Jones, I think I should take that as a comment rather than as a question! But let me respond to the honourable member in this way. The gap that we need to close is a very, very substantial one. We know that. We had a Closing the gap report yesterday that shows that three of the targets are on track, but it says something about the challenges we face that having three out of seven on track is the best result we've had since 2011.

We are absolutely committed to ensuring that we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. In every aspect of our policy we are doing so, I believe, more and more effectively than ever. I thank the honourable member for his observations, and we'll continue our work. I know we have a common commitment, whatever our difference may be on constitutional matters, in respect of the substantive objectives and targets covered by Closing the Gap and the additional targets that will develop out of the Closing the Gap Refresh. I know we're all committed to that, and I look forward to working with the honourable member and all other members towards achieving that goal.

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