Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you for the supplementary. First of all, I think it fits very well. What we have said, and what I said when I was the shadow spokesman in this area, is that you have to do the symbolic and the practical; one without the other does not take us anywhere. What we saw yesterday was a very important symbolic measure by the parliament. But what we also need are very practical reforms that have clear objectives, clear benchmarks and people accountable for meeting them. That is what we have not had in the past, and we need to make sure that those are there.

In terms of financial management services—I agree with you. I will make some inquiries. I know Noel Pearson, in his trials in the Queensland Cape York area, has put a big focus on financial management services. I saw some quite good progress being made there—not in relation to the trial but in terms of supporting Indigenous people with financial management services. It seems to me that it is the sort of thing that should be included in the response, and I am happy to take that up with the minister as well.