As Minister for Indigenous Australians, this week I wrote to the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs requesting that it conduct an inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at First Nations people.

I welcome the decision by the Committee to proceed with an inquiry, reporting by 15 September 2026.

The inquiry comes at an important time, following the alleged terror attack in Perth on 26 January and a violent attack on Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne last year.

The Australian Government acknowledges the outstanding leadership of Pat Turner AM as she concludes her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NAACHO) and Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks. 

A proud Gudanji-Arrernte woman, Pat Turner is a true giant of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health. 

Pat is a fierce and formidable advocate and has dedicated her life to the wellbeing and self-determination of First Nations people and communities.

Australia needs mayors who are ambitious for their cities.

Ambitious to solve the challenges of today and grab the opportunities of tomorrow.

To do this, we need to be brutal realists about the challenges our cities face.

Skills. Housing. Aged care. Social cohesion. National Security.

Today I want to share with you some of the Albanese Government’s priorities.

I will share insights in how our nation is changing.

And remind you once again what a big job lies ahead of you and how critical your work is to protect the Australia we all love.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Joining me live now in the studio, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman. Thank you for your time. 

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, Tom.

CONNELL: Is this a war?

GORMAN: It is obviously a significant conflict. I think what we've seen is a huge level of escalation, significant change in Iran and clearly the United States said that they're not finished yet.

PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: I want to bring in my political panel for today. First sitting day of the fortnight. Garth Hamilton is now the Shadow Assistant Minister for Energy and Security, which means he gets a better seat also, in the House of Representatives. Patrick Gorman is the Assistant Employment Minister. Welcome to both of you.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Thank you.

GARTH HAMILTON, MEMBER FOR GROOM: Thank you.

I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people and I pay my deepest respects to Elders past and present.

I stand today to affirm the Prime Minister’s statement in the House of Representatives on 12 February. 

Where he made it clear that we must continue the work of Closing the Gap with honesty, courage and partnership. 

Everywhere I go, I see the strength of First Nations people. It’s in the way communities come together to celebrate culture, protect Country and create opportunities for the next generation. 

Subjects: NT Administrator, Darwin Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, Central Australia Flooding, Conflict in the Middle East, travel advice.

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce a provider has been selected to operate the new Darwin Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) following a competitive tender process led by the Northern Territory Government (NT Health).

FCD Health Limited, the current operators of the Palmerston GP Super Clinic, has been identified as the successful provider to operate the new Darwin Medicare Urgent Care Clinic which will be located at 8 Osgood Drive, Eaton. 

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: For years Australia has condemned the Iranian regime; their human rights abuses, their nuclear program. We have seen in more recent times Australia has had to take the very serious step of expelling the former Iranian Ambassador. That is why Australia supports the actions that the United States has taken. 

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: For years Australia has condemned the Iranian regime; their human rights abuses, their nuclear program. We have seen in more recent times Australia has had to take the very serious step of expelling the former Iranian Ambassador. That is why Australia supports the actions that the United States has taken.