Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Community Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question and note his longstanding interest in Indigenous affairs, particularly in his home state of Queensland. This government has a proud history of long-term policies for creating economic activity as well as policies that ensure the capacity for Indigenous individuals and communities to capitalise on the wonderful economic boom that the great management of the economy by this government has created. This policy has been widely embraced by Indigenous Australians, who share our belief that all Australians should get equitable access to the benefits of this economy. Whilst we respect cultural practices and we support the symbolic actions of other policies, our main focus has to be on practical measures. The symbolic gestures are no help to those people without jobs, adequate housing, adequate access to medical facilities and access to other opportunities.

It is such a pity that Labor fought the government at almost every turn on the implementation of these policies and the legislative changes that came behind them. However, I think credit should be given where credit is due. I noticed some comments from Jenny Macklin, the opposition spokesperson on Indigenous affairs, recently and I commend the Labor Party for the turn that appears to have occurred in their Indigenous policy. I say that with some confidence—the turn has come. They simply looked around and could not find their own policies so they have seized upon ours—practical reconciliation. I understand the depoliticising—