Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the Redfern Statement Parliamentary Event that took place in the Great Hall on 14 February 2017;

(b) acknowledges the Redfern Statement, which was presented to the Prime Minister at the parliamentary event, sets out a plan for addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' disadvantage and progressing reconciliation with our First Peoples;

(c) notes the Redfern Statement Engagement Approach for 2017, including a forum, workshops and a national summit; and

(d) calls on the Government to commit to this Engagement Approach and ensure that a National Enduring Agreement or Framework is produced prior to the 2018 Budget, following the national summit.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition government has committed to do things with Indigenous Australians. Part of that commitment is working with stakeholders such as those involved in the Redfern alliance, led by the National Congress. The government does not support this motion, as it seeks to commit us to the Redfern alliance engagement approach and framework. This framework is the subject of ongoing discussions with the National Congress. The Minister for Indigenous Affairs has spoken to the chair of the National Congress, who was not aware of this motion, and the government will continue working with Congress, rather than supporting this motion.

Question agreed to.