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

This is an issue that has irked me and many in this area for some time. We have invested, I have indicated, since 2017 in Indigenous rangers, but it became apparent after a number of years, for whatever the reasons are, that the rangers were never going to get the similar powers of enforcement that the non-Indigenous rangers have. So we have made an investment of $30 million that is going to provide Indigenous rangers the same level of enforcement in fisheries, in wildlife, in border protection and in biosecurity protection that is enjoyed by any other notional manger in the mainstream area. This is going to close the divide, if you like, to ensure that Indigenous rangers have exactly the same rights to inquire why you have a rhinoceros in your glovebox, as any other mainstream ranger.

I had a fantastic time with the Dhimurru rangers in Nhulunbuy. I have to commend again the remarkable work that they are doing in this area.