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

First of all, can I make it plain that the government does not agree with all the groups that are calling for the target. The reason we are not moving a target is that a target is supposed to focus government's efforts in a particular area. If we are just sticking targets everywhere, the whole point of a target is missed. Our target about getting kids to school will provide them with a pathway that does not end up in the justice system. Our process of engaging people in purposeful and respectful activity will ensure that they are gainfully employed and they have a purpose, and they will not end up in the justice system. For those people who run foul of the justice system because of their relationship of self-medication and drug and alcohol, we are ensuring that we have lots of investment in those areas to ensure that they do not run into the justice system. All of these are practical issues that are going to stop people from interacting with the justice system.