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

Before we move forward with a $30 million investment, we wanted to ensure that this was the right way. We needed to find an appropriate way of bringing rangers up to the capacity to do that. So we had a $2 million specialised ranger program. I am pleased to announce that 28 rangers, particularly in North Queensland, are now working with Fisheries, with Biodiversity and with GBRMPA as equals doing exactly the same roles as other rangers have done. We are moving particularly into the biodiversity space, which is a very important space in border security. If you match the cultural knowledge and that deep-seated knowledge of country, then who would be better placed to ensure that they are the frontline of our biosecurity protection for north Australia? This $2 million investment in a specialised Indigenous ranger program will deliver that.

I am working right across portfolios to ensure that with any tasks that are done across the north of Australia or by Indigenous rangers we allow them to continue that work. (Time expired)