Today is not just about celebrating the 40 year long journey of the National Self Employment Association.

It is about celebrating the journeys of more than 250,000 Australians who have been supported to start their own business. 

The original self-employment program was introduced as a pilot covering 600 participants of the old Commonwealth Employment Service.

It is now the longest-running federal employment program of its kind.

Supported by multiple governments and eight successive Australian Prime Ministers.

ANDREW CLENNELL, HOST: Joining me live is the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Pat Gorman. Pat Gorman, thanks for your time. Now tell me the truth. Is Anthony Albanese secretly, kind of, a little bit glad that this COP bid appears to be falling over?

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to keep women and children safe in Central Australia, with more emergency accommodation now available for First Nations families in Alice Springs. 

The government has invested $4.9 million to expand Apmere Mwerre Visitors Park (AMVP), providing 20 additional short-term beds.

Operated by Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) the AMVP provides safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people, including women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering support to tourism businesses in the Red Centre, through the launch of the $1 million Alice Springs Revival and Resilience grant program. 

This grant, part of a $8.5 million total package of support, is designed to revitalise the region’s economy which has faced challenges over recent years, including a downturn in visitation. 

The Albanese Government is taking the next step in improving women’s health with the National Women’s Health Advisory Council (the Council) transitioning into new Ministerial Expert Panels that will advise on priority areas of women’s health.

Since its establishment, the Council has played a central role in identifying key issues in women’s health and shaping the approximately $800 million landmark women’s health package which has delivered more choice, lower costs and better health care for Australian women at every stage of life.

Acknowledgements omitted

If I can acknowledge everyone in this room, one way or another, that makes these awards such a success. 

These awards tell our national story, not through government reports or statistics, but through our people. 

They are about our stories, and they are about hope for our future, and you have seen that tonight. 

If I look at what Theresa Mitchell said to us, she started off what became a bit of a rolling theme - of unconditional love. 

The Australian Government has appointed Ms Julie-Ann Guivarra as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).

A proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, Ms Guivarra is a proven senior leader within the Australian Public Service.

As a Senior Executive with the NIAA since 2021, she has wide-ranging experience driving key outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

First Nations people across Australia will have greater access to services to strengthen financial skills and make informed money choices, with the Albanese Labor Government investing $3.1 million in four key financial wellbeing providers.

The Mob Strong Debt Help program will receive $750,000 to deliver their free national financial counselling helpline, providing financial counselling services to First Nations clients.

Subjects: Liberal leadership, Coalition chaos, Net Zero, power prices, Melbourne Cup

Indigenous Affairs Ministers met via videoconference yesterday (Monday 3 November) to discuss priorities to progress outcomes for First Nations people and communities.

Ministers focused on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) and discussed priorities for the Joint Council on Closing the Gap (Joint Council) meeting in Nipaluna Hobart on 21 November 2025.