The Australian Government is proud to be contributing $250,000 to help establish a new Foundation named in honour of the highly respected Yankunytjatjara woman, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue, AC CBE DSG.
Today, on her 90th birthday, we thank Dr O’Donoghue for all she has done to improve the health and advance the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit to continuing her legacy with the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation.
MICHAEL ROWLAND HOST: There has been a significant step towards a referendum to create an Indigenous voice to parliament over the weekend. For more, let's bring in the Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney. Good morning to you.
LINDA BURNEY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: Good morning, Michael.
It was with great sadness I learned yesterday of the passing of Gunditjmara and Bundjalung man Archie Roach and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family.
For many Australians, Archie was their first exposure to the horrors of the Stolen Generations.
His voice, his music and his story came out of trauma and pain.
His powerful songs also brought people together. They provided strength and still serve as a source of healing – putting into words what was unspeakable.
We are all so sad about his passing.
DAN BOURCHIER, Host: Good morning to you, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney is here and I just want to acknowledge before we start our discussion that we're using the name of Uncle Archie Roach, his images, vision and also songs at the express permission of his family who want that to be a very much a part of his legacy of storytelling and dealing with difficult topics about the stolen generation and Indigenous disadvantage. But the Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, good morning. How do you reflect on this news?
An Aboriginal-organisation, Gumatj Corporation Limited, will play a key role in an $8 million investment to improve marine and landside infrastructure at the Gove Port tourism precinct to enable growth in the East Arnhem region.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, has welcomed the Productivity Commission’s second Closing the Gap Annual Data Compilation report.
It provides a point-in-time snapshot of progress under the National Agreement for Closing the Gap, helping all parties maintain momentum and progress against the targets.
Disappointingly, the latest data shows five Closing the Gap targets are not on track, including:
The Albanese Labor Government will boost support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to express, preserve and maintain their cultures through languages and the arts.
More than $57 million will be shared by 84 community-based activities over the next three years under the Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program.
This program provides support for vital language services to communities and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to strengthen Indigenous languages in their communities across Australia.
GREG JENNETT, HOST: Bringing in our political panel and joining us right here in the studio, we're pleased to say once again, Labor MP Patrick Gorman, welcome Pat and Liberal MP James Stevens is here face to face, both of you. Why don't we start with you, Patrick Gorman? The changes in mood that are intended by rule changes and what have you, Question Time rule changes as well. Do you think they're working? I know we've only had one sample session of Question Time so far, but it's still pretty robust sort of exchanges there.
TOM CONNELL, HOST: Patrick Gorman, thanks for your time. 43% emissions reduction target negotiations going on right now. So what is on the table? What's Labor willing to compromise on?
The new Parliament gives Australia a fresh start. A new opportunity to express our love of this country and what we can achieve together.
Today the 47th Parliament will sit for the first time. New voices. Experienced ministers. A big agenda.
From the smoking ceremony to open the Parliament through to the first speeches of Australia’s newest representatives. The symbolism for renewal is strong.
Parliament will be different. More respectful debate, more diversity, more family friendly.