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

I am aware of the reports this morning, Senator, in the media. What I can say is that we are working to ensure that people of working age who are able to work are working, and preferably for a wage. Getting people into work, as you would be aware, is one of this government's top priorities in Indigenous affairs, along with getting children to school and ensuring that communities are safe.

We need to ensure that job seekers in remote Australia are work ready and able to secure jobs. I will just touch on the fundamental element, which was: would we be treating Aboriginal people differently from any other Australian? Certainly we have not made decisions with regard to all of this, but on that particular point, no.