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

In a word, it is my view and Mr Gooda's view. Whilst he is a good friend of mine and a respected commentator in this area, I have to say I have not struck that widespread concern. I am not sure if you have—through Mr President—Senator. What I have found is overwhelming support with a change in approach in many of the discretionary programs that are going to affect Closing the Gap. We have seen many years of 'set and forget'—Senator Peris may not have been here through that time—where we had circumstances of fewer people going to school, fewer people engaged in work. We have seen on almost every indicator that something needs to be done. There are those who say 'let's not change anything'. I am quite comfortable with my organisation doing what it does. I do not want any change.

We understand that we have a greater calling. The government has a very important calling—that is, to ensure that those services that are being delivered, first and foremost, are being delivered in a way that actually closes the gap and that re-engages people with education. We are providing our First Australians with a first-class health system that they have proper access to and we are ensuring that not only do they go school but they get an excellent education so they can go on and take their rightful place next to other Australians—who take those sorts of opportunities absolutely for granted.

I disagree. I have not seen that widespread concern amongst Aboriginal people as I move around the countryside, and I will continue to have those discussions with the commissioner.