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

Thanks very much for the question, Senator. In remote Australia the Community Development Program has been a spectacular success. We have been getting jobseekers re-engaged with their communities, becoming job ready and finding work. Since we introduced this in 2015—

Senator Siewert interjecting—

For the benefit of the screeching Green who is screeching out rather than listening, the fact is that 21,600 people have actually moved off these jobs and into real work. So we've actually turned the tide on the failed remote jobs and community programs. I will tell you how many. Can you remember that, Senator Siewert? Seven per cent of people were engaged—a shocking and shameful seven per cent. I didn't hear you standing in this place criticising that. We've now improved that by 60 per cent to 67 per cent. We are actually making sure. We've got 21,600. I'm looking forward to working in partnerships with remote communities to continue this very important work.