It is always a pleasure to be part of dialogues such as this, and to get a chance to talk about the many ways the priorities of business and government intersect. 

Last time I addressed your members was in May last year when former Labor leader Simon Crean was still with us. 

Simon had been part of my entire journey through Australian politics. He was leader when I joined the party and I met him for the first time when I arrived in Canberra at the start of my career in public policy. 

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Alright, let's return to the Queensland election, someone that might be strapping on their helmet after not the best result for the Labor Party. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman and former MP, former New South Wales Liberal Party President, Jason Falinski. Gentlemen, thanks both for your time. Pat, what are you sort of musing over as we sift through the entrails? Is it shovel endless money out the door, just bribe voters and it might mean they don't dislike us too much, because that was some serious cash spent by Steven Miles.

The Australian Government is calling for organisations to apply for the Building Women’s Careers Program partnership grants.

The Government is investing $60.6 million in the program to drive women’s participation in VET and the workplace through innovative and scalable partnerships.

The grants will create partnership projects to help increase women’s access to skilled and well-paid careers and help address skills shortages across the economy.

PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: The Albanese Government is coming under pressure to do more on cost-of-living relief after a new report pointed to higher-than-expected inflation next year. The International Monetary Fund says Australia will have the second-highest rate of inflation among developed economies, leading the Opposition to brand Australia as being at the back of the pack. But, as the Opposition hones its economic attacks, it’s giving more mixed messages on whether it wants a new debate on abortion.

A new multi-purpose service centre will make life easier for residents of the remote Northern Territory community of Borroloola, including those living with chronic kidney disease.

The Albanese Labor Government has provided the McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust with $13.5 million for community development in Borroloola.

The investment will go towards building Borroloola Central, which will include a renal dialysis clinic, child and family centre, youth centre, Northern Territory Government service hub, and other important services including a pharmacy.

The values of co-operatives and mutuals are Australian values. A fair go. Egalitarianism. The unavoidable truth that the Australian people are stronger when we come together.  And Australian mutuals and cooperatives are there from our very first breaths.

HBF was there when my son, Leo, was born in 2017. You are also there when things don’t go to plan. The RAC was there for me when I was 17. Behind the wheel of my grandmother’s Ford Festiva. And I accidentally remodelled the front of the car while driving in the rain.

The Commonwealth Minister for Indigenous Australians met with State and Territory Ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs via videoconference on Monday, to discuss priorities and actions to improve outcomes for First Nations people.

Ministers acknowledged the recent appointments of Commonwealth Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and Northern Territory Minister Steven Edgington and wished outgoing Tasmanian Minister Roger Jaensch well.

Queensland and Australian Capital Territory Ministers did not attend the meeting due to elections in those jurisdictions.

Indigenous students studying at boarding schools will have support to finish their schooling and boost their success, with the Albanese Labor Government extending the Indigenous Boarding Providers Grants Program until the end of 2026.

Boarding plays an important role for many Indigenous students from rural and remote communities. 

A $43.2 million investment will support approximately 2,500 students attending more than 40 boarding schools and stand-alone boarding facilities and deliver wrap-around supports to boost students' success at school.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Joining me live Assistant Minister to Prime Minister Patrick Gorman and former MP and former New South Wales Liberal Party President Jason Falinski. Gentlemen, thank you both for your time. Pat, I assume you were there, what did you make of that interjection from Lidia Thorpe?

GREG JENNETT, HOST: Well, these days, these royal tours don't come off without months of intricate planning, covering everything from airports to police details, parliamentary protocols, flowers, wardrobe selection, you name it. Now within the federal bureaucracy, much of the co-ordination for this falls to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the main minister responsible for those functions is the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister. That would be Patrick Gorman, and he joins us now in the studio. Patrick, welcome back to Afternoon Briefing.