This World Ranger Day, we recognise the important work of Indigenous rangers across Australia, who care for land and sea Country and deliver social, cultural and economic benefits to First Nations communities.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on our commitment to double the number of Indigenous rangers by the end of the decade.

800 new Indigenous ranger jobs will be created through a second round expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program, with applications currently being assessed.

In a time of rapid geopolitical, technological and social change, this forum is a valuable opportunity to reflect on our shared mission:

To strengthen the foundation of trust, assurance and integrity in the public sector.

Your role as internal auditors is more crucial than ever. You are the experts shaping the future of public service.

Australia’s risk-taking tradition

But first, let us reflect on one fundamental truth. Australia, as a nation, has always embraced risk.

Subjects: Middle East conflict, Closing the Gap.

The Productivity Commission has released the latest Annual Data Compilation Report showing how efforts to improve life outcomes for First Nations people are progressing under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.  

Data is available on progress in 15 of the 19 targets and shows that nationally 10 of those are improving.

Outcomes are improving and targets on track:

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Joining me now is Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman. Is this, if you believe that we need to act on climate, net zero, is this bad for the country? Do you hope the Coalition stays with you on this, or politically, does it help you if they move away from it? 

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Excellent to be here with Jess Teesdale, the new member for Bass, who gave an absolutely beautiful speech about why she stood for parliament and why she is here. And her determination to deliver for the Australian people, including children. Jess, congrats again on that wonderful speech.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Over the last week, the Albanese Government has been focused on things that make a real difference to the Australian people. Cutting their student debt, making sure that our child care centres are safer and ensuring that we protect penalty rates that 2.6 million Australians rely upon.

Subjects: One Nation Senators turning their backs on an Acknowledgement of Country in the Senate, Welcome to Country, Federal Court decision, Northern Territory Coroner findings, truth telling.

PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: Minister, welcome to the programme.

MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: Thank you, Patricia. Good to be here in person.

The Albanese Government has refreshed the membership of the Northern Australia Indigenous Reference Group (IRG), which is a key advisory body on boosting economic and social prosperity for First Nations people across the north.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of James Cook University, Professor Martin Nakata, has been appointed the new IRG chair. Professor Nakata has more than 30 years of experience in Indigenous education, research and community engagement.

Other new appointments are:

BRANSEN GIBSON, HOST: Government MP, Patrick Gorman, is the member for Perth. He is also the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister. Patrick, good morning. 

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Bransen and good morning to your listeners.

GIBSON: Patrick, let's start with student debt. Why is student debt - reducing student debt, pardon me - a priority for the government?