PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, Deputy Premier. The Commonwealth is really proud to be a 50:50 partner in making this a reality. What we see here are the outcomes of so much hard work from so many, from public servants, from people down at Civmec from people who've worked here for years, building this bridge. And it's going to give us an excellent asset, a tourism asset, a community asset, and even a business asset.

The Federal Government has provided more than $10 million in financial support for hundreds of Australia Day 2025 community events in every state and territory.

Australia Day gives us time to connect with family, friends and community – a day to celebrate the freedoms we share and the values and beliefs we hold. 

It is a day to reflect on our complete and complex history, to acknowledge the past, and respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ history and continuing culture.

Mr Karl Hampton has been appointed Councillor of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) for a four-year term.

Mr Hampton is a Warlpiri man from Central Australia, who over many decades has become a well-respected leader, researcher and community historian.

He is currently Director of Indigenous Strategy at the Central Desert Regional Council and a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Board for the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Topics: Central Australia, Equatorial Launch, Budget.

ADAM STEER, HOST: Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, who's the Minister for Indigenous Australians. Senator, welcome to the program and Merry Christmas.

MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS, MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Oh, good morning to you, Adam, and Merry Christmas to you and all your listeners. It's just lovely to get to this time of year.

ADAM STEER: Yeah, it is. Have we had a highlight for the year, Senator?

‘If you don’t pay for something, you don’t value it’. That’s what the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party said in Parliament last month, speaking about the Albanese Government’s plan to expand Free TAFE.

And in that statement lies the complete failure the Coalition has when it comes to understanding education reform.

Good policy doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when governments put in the work to listen and understand to the needs of the people they represent.

The iconic Twin Falls gorge at World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park will re-open in 2026 after a major infrastructure upgrade.

Artist impressions released today offer a first look at the new elevated and interconnected boardwalks and walkways that wrap around the Northern Territory site.

A new cantilevered staircase across the escarpment will give visitors a remarkable view of the gorge and the spectacular 150-metre-high waterfalls.

The day use area, amenities and car park will also be revitalised.

The Albanese Government is continuing to work directly with young people on policies and programs that matter to them.

Today, Minister for Youth Dr Anne Aly appointed young people from across Australia to the Government’s 2025 Youth Advisory Groups.

The Groups will work across a range of topics including civic engagement, climate change, creative industries, employment, First Nations engagement, the prevention of gender-based violence and water policy.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to improve food security and resilience for remote First Nations communities during the high-risk weather season.

Through the $9.6 million Store Efficiency and Resilience Package, the Albanese Government is partnering with local stores, state and territory governments and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to ensure remote communities have reliable access to nutritious food and groceries. 

More than 15 remote stores will benefit from the initiative.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Well, all right, it's been a big political year, 2024. It's only going to get bigger, of course, we're only a few months out from the election. Let's get a final hit out from my favourite panel. I'm not going to speak for the nation, necessarily, but Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman and former Liberal MP Jason Falinksi. Gentlemen, thank you both for your time. We're in a slightly reflective mood. Let's just get a little bit of policy out of the way, and then have a bit of fun, maybe.

SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER, MINISTER FOR FINANCE: Well, it’s great to be here at this fabulous childcare centre and watching all of these amazing children and their educators work together. This is really what Labor’s plan around early education and care is all about. It’s about making sure that the children get the best opportunity as soon as they can and that we’re investing in early childhood education like it’s part of the school system, really.