SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER, MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES: I've just come straight from Government House this morning, where I've been sworn in as the Minister for Government Services, a really important portfolio and I'm so thrilled to have it have responsibility for it. Government Services is one of those portfolios that touches probably every Australian one way or another, through Medicare or through Centrelink payments or through child support. So, it's a really important way that Australians interact with government.

It is one week until Australia Day 2025 and all Australians are encouraged to visit www.australiaday.org.au to find local events and plan their day. 

The Australian Government has provided financial support for more than 750 Australia Day 2025 community events in every state and territory. 

ROSS SOLLY, HOST: Just before we came off air yesterday morning, we told you that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had announced his reshuffle. I had to do a double take, because the first thing I was told was that ACT Senator Katy Gallagher had managed to get herself a new portfolio and I thought, that can’t be right, because she’s already got about 26 of them. But yes indeed, she’s had Government Services added to Finance, Public Service, Women and a whole heap of other things. Senator Katy Gallagher joins us this morning. Good morning, Senator.

The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are investing $6 million to expand First Nations tourism in Western Australia, ensuring more visitors can connect with the rich culture and stories of Aboriginal communities.

The Albanese Government is co-investing $17 million through Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects (SITP) with states and territories to grow First Nations tourism around the country.

In Western Australia, this includes supporting the popular Camping with Custodians (CwC) program, part of the state’s Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan.

LYRELLA COUZENS, HOST: So, despite the CLP coming to power with a pledge of $180 million for domestic violence services, that funding hasn't really been seen on the ground. And already, tragically, one woman has died this year, allegedly at the hands of her partner in Alice Springs. So, advocates are now saying, well, look, if this money doesn't hit the ground and start to flow soon, we are going to see more deaths. Senator for the Northern Territory, the Minister for indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, you're hearing the urgency there from advocates.

Topics: 50th Connected Beginnings site for First Nations children,  Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, Closing the Gap.

GIULIA BERTOGLIO, ABC KUNUNURRA: Why are you here in Kununurra today?

Topics: Community media, Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, First Nations tourism, Connected Beginnings site for First Nations children in Kununurra, Closing the Gap.

SCOTTY DAY, HOST: The reason that we’ve hung around a little bit is to say a very good morning and welcome back to Kununurra for the Senator, the Honourable Malarndirri McCarthy, a very good morning to you, Senator. How are you?

The Albanese Government has expanded the successful Connected Beginnings program to 50 communities across Australia, helping more First Nations children thrive in the crucial early years.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly and Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy today announced $2.4 million for Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation Limited to deliver the Connected Beginnings program in Kununurra, Western Australia.

AGNES TUPOU, HOST: Like the US, Palau is having its presidential inauguration. Today on the guest list, Papua, New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. Representing Australia is Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman, who joins us the on the program from Palau. Good morning, Minister.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Good morning Agnes and good morning to your listeners.

It’s an honour to be asked by the Prime Minister to serve as the Minister for Government Services.

I want to pay tribute to Minister Shorten, who has worked tirelessly in this portfolio since May 2022 and who has made a real and tangible positive difference in the lives of millions of Australians.

I particularly pay tribute to his role in uncovering and publicly prosecuting the Morrison Government’s Robodebt scandal and also ensuring that Services Australia has the resources and capability to provide the best service possible to the Australian people.