Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

In her question the senator referred to the importance and the imperative of ending the cycle of disadvantage. I do not think those were the words she used, but I think that was the intent of her question. I think that is a view shared by most if not all senators and I know it is something that she has a strong interest in.

I think the question really was in relation to an issue that I did address initially. I am advised the government will continue to discuss IEP contracts prior to the expiry of the existing providers. Given the date that she referenced, which I think was 3 December, if there is anything additional from the minister that I can obtain I will certainly do so and provide it to her.