Indigenous businesses are continuing to contribute to the economic empowerment of First Nations people and communities, achieving a milestone $10 billion in Commonwealth contracts over nearly a decade.

The Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) has played a key role in supporting the growth of the Indigenous business sector, significantly increasing the Commonwealth’s purchasing from First Nations businesses since its introduction.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Here in Australia, it's the last day you can put in a submission, from the members of the public to the government's Misinformation Bill, which has been generating plenty of headlines. Joining me now is the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, the man who really calls the shots, Patrick Gorman, and former Liberal MP in New South Wales, Liberal Party President Jason Falinski; thanks both for your time. Patrick didn't correct me, so he obviously agrees with that.

The Albanese Government is today announcing a further six initiatives as part of the largest commitment to justice reinvestment ever delivered by the Commonwealth.

The national justice reinvestment program is a long-term, community-led approach to preventing crime, improving community safety and reducing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in contact with the justice system.

A new Merit Protection Commissioner has been appointed following a merit-based selection process.

Ms Jamie Lowe will commence in the role from 30 September 2024.

Ms Lowe holds Bachelors of Law (Honours) and Arts and has served in senior positions across the Commonwealth Government.

Most recently, Ms Lowe was First Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Public Service Commission. In this role, she led the Centralised Code of Conduct Inquiry Taskforce established in response to the Robodebt Royal Commission Report.

Women and girls across the nation will find it easier and more enjoyable to play sport and be active, with the Albanese Government offering $55 million in grants to over 120 recipients.

The grants represent the participation stream of funding, the first to be announced from the Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program.

OLIVER PETERSON, HOST: The Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and the Member for Perth, Patrick Gorman, joins me in the 6PR Jayco Caravanland mobile studios. Good to see you.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Good to see you, Oly, and good to be here in the caravan. A great Australian manufacturing business.

PETERSON: It is too. And are you enjoying the Royal Show today?

Mr Leonard Hill has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) for a term of four years.

A proud Ngemba man from north-west New South Wales, Mr Hill has a wealth of experience in Indigenous Affairs, working across Federal and State Governments, as well as Aboriginal Community Organisations over three decades.

Most recently, Mr Hill has been Acting CEO of AIATSIS, where he has provided consistent and reliable leadership through a period of change.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: The Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is promising to abolish the role of Ambassador for First Nations peoples, if he becomes Prime Minister. The Daily Telegraph reports the Federal Government approved more than $350,000 to send its Ambassador to 9 overseas trips in the past financial year, the position is currently held by Justin Mohamed. Mr Dutton called the role a waste of taxpayer money. Joining me live now, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy. Thanks for your time.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Well, it is that time on a Monday, and that means we bring you the Assistant Prime Minister, or Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, I should say, nearly gave you a promotion Patrick Gorman, one day, and the former New South Wales Liberal Party President, former MP Jason Falinski, thank you both for your time. I'll start with you, Jason, because we thought we were getting the detail today from Dutton. Not so. Peter Dutton, that is, on nuclear energy policy. I'm just interested in your thoughts.

First Nations students in Western Sydney now have greater access to on-Country training, with the Albanese Labor Government investing $50 million to expand the Junior Rangers program nationally.

Secondary students in Western Sydney are among thousands of First Nations students across the country to benefit from the program, which is now available at 50 new sites.

As part of the expansion, 11 New South Wales organisations will share in $6.7 million to deliver on-Country learning and community-led mentoring, designed to boost school attendance and engagement.