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

I thank the senator for his interest in this government's efforts to meaningfully engage with our First Australians. Never before have such political energies been focused on turning around the disadvantage in Aboriginal and Islander communities. We have a Prime Minister who is prepared to accept the accountability which goes with being called the Prime Minister for Aboriginal and Islander people. We hear the clutter from the other side. They and their Leader of the Opposition snipe from the sidelines whilst this government gets on with the job of engaging with our First Australians with real results.

Gamatj leader Galarrwuy Yunupingu has invited our Prime Minister to spend a week living with his people on the country around Yirrkala in East Arnhem Land. I will accompany the Prime Minister in September to mark the first anniversary of his swearing-in as Prime Minister. This is a great honour. With the help of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, the Prime Minister will work alongside Yolngu people to listen and take part in practical activities that will directly benefit the community and the Prime Minister's understanding of issues that face them. This is no empty gesture. This is a government that is rolling up its sleeves to work with and listen to Aboriginal and Islander Australians. They are doing it on their terms. The fact that this Prime Minister is prepared to do so is nothing short of extraordinary.