Subjects: NAIDOC Week, Northern Territory Coroner findings, Yoorrook Commission, East Melbourne Synagogue attack
BRIDGET BRENNAN, HOST: Let's get more on some of the big stories around the country, including the National NAIDOC Week Awards. The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy joins us now from Parliament House. A very happy NAIDOC Week to you, Minister.
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: Good morning, Bridget. Happy NAIDOC Week to you and to everyone right across the country.
BRIDGET BRENNAN: Yes, it’s our favourite week of the year, of course. What does the week mean to you?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Well, it's a significant time of celebration, coming together for First Nations people looking at our achievements, reflecting on those things that haven't gone well, the things that we can do better as a country. But I think more importantly, for each individual who comes to NAIDOC events, they have different reasons but largely it is about feeling good about being a First Nations person in Australia. But for those who walk with us, who are so proud that we have a 60,000-year-old history and more to share.
BRIDGET BRENNAN: Yeah, so much to celebrate. Look, it is a difficult NAIDOC Week for those in Yuendumu and for the wider Warlpiri-Luritja community this week as the findings from the Kumanjayi Walker inquest are handed down today. Minister, this will be an emotional time for the family and community. I know you've had communications with them over the past few years. What are you hoping we learn from this inquest?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Well, today is significant for the families of Yuendemu and indeed people in Central Australia. But even the broader issue of people across Australia who've supported the families of Yuendemu and Mr Walker and his relatives, I think for the Elders in particular, Bridget, today has been long awaited. If there's one word that can be used which I've heard Elder Ned Hargraves use, and that is that they're exhausted. They're tired, they're wearied by all of this. They are hopeful that some good will come from it. And I'm sure they'll speak for themselves on it today. But it is important to see and listen to what the Coroner has to say today.
BRIDGET BRENNAN: You know, more broadly, Kumanjayi Walker was one of many, unfortunately, one of many young people who lost his life in custody. We're seeing far too many First Nations people die in police and prison custody. Minister, you chaired a really important meeting of First Nations Ministers from states and territories across the country. What came out of that meeting in late June? Were there any concrete steps to reduce the numbers of our people dying in custody?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: It was important to convene all Indigenous Affairs Ministers and the Coalition of Peaks. Bridget. This is co-chaired by them and myself as the federal Minister. We emphasised very strongly to each of the Ministers present that the high incarceration rates are not acceptable, that each jurisdiction must go back and have a look at what they can do. It is very concerning, the high rates of incarceration but around deaths in custody now, we also have to make sure that not just Indigenous Affairs Ministers but those other Ministers responsible in Cabinets across Australia act, in particular in the Attorney-General section. I did speak to my colleague Michelle Rowland, the federal Attorney-General in the lead up to when they gather in August with all Attorneys-General. This has to be different. There has to be a stop to deaths in custody in this country.
BRIDGET BRENNAN: Well said. Look, what about the incredible recommendations from the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia's first truth telling inquiry. Have you had a look at this, Minister? And I mean obviously this was a state-based inquiry, but there are some real learnings here for the rest of the country, aren't there?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Well, I commend the Commissioners of the Yoorrook Commission and I know that they have now completed their term, but I do commend them. It has been a courageous journey in Victoria, one that I've certainly been watching and listening to with the Commissioners but also with First Nations people in Victoria. This is something that I think the Australian Parliament will be watching very closely. We sit in a couple of weeks time. I certainly would like to have read much of that Commission report. I believe it's about seven volumes, but reading the initial recommendations, there's quite a significant number there. There are many that the Commonwealth will look at and look at what the Victorian Government will do in regards to that. This is a significant moment in history for our country.
BRIDGET BRENNAN: Could you see it being taken to the federal stage and a commission, a truth telling inquiry like this, or will you leave it to states and territories to pursue their own paths?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Well, I have been watching states and territories. I know that since the defeat of the referendum we have looked at what's going on in each of the state and territory jurisdictions, Bridget. But now is the time, I hope, as we go forward that we can look at what we can do at a federal level in regards to taking the steps that are required around truth-telling. We do talk about this when we come to Garma, but now is the time to see action and I do want to read the Yoorrook Commission report and see what we can do at a federal level.
BRIDGET BRENNAN: Just on another issue. Understandably, Minister, Jewish Australians will be feeling quite distressed about the shocking events we saw unfold in Melbourne across the weekend. Is the federal government taking this seriously and is it a good idea to perhaps convene a National Cabinet or look at stronger measures to really respond to the anti-Semitic attacks we're seeing unfold in Australia at the moment?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: We are absolutely taking this very seriously. It was a cowardly attack. It is one we do not want to see in our country against anyone. And certainly, both the Prime Minister and Tony Burke have spoken on this. The Prime Minister has made it clear in regards to his views around National Cabinet. We do not want to see this. I do understand, though that someone has been arrested in relation to it and we will wait to see the outcome of the Victorian Police investigation.
BRIDGET BRENNAN: Thanks very much, Minister. And again, a happy NAIDOC. I know it'll be busy one for you, but thanks for joining us on News Breakfast this morning.
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Thank you, Bridget.