Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

No, I do. But we accept the outcome of the referendum and we are focused on making a practical difference for First Nations people in this country. That is the Prime Minister's focus, that is the Minister for Indigenous Affairs' focus. My colleague Senator McCarthy and all of us, we are focused on jobs, on housing, on education, on community support, on making a difference. I think we all accept in this chamber that the information that was released in Closing the gap shows that we have a long way to go to meet the needs of and support Indigenous communities across this country. That is the focus of this government.

The candidate for Dunkley is an excellent candidate for the Labor Party. She's been a strong advocate for women in her electorate. She was recruited by the late Peta Murphy when she was the member for Dunkley because she saw the qualities that Ms Belyea will bring to this parliament, the difference she will make. We stand by her. We support her. I have no doubt she will be an excellent member for Dunkley.

I haven't seen the comments that Senator Nampijinpa Price refers to, but I again refer the senator to the work that the government is doing and the position the Prime Minister took post the election.