REUBEN SPARGO, HOST: I want to start on the economy. What's your attitude towards any revenue raised through different tax policies in the upcoming budget? Is it to get the budget back in a good state, or is it to return that money to taxpayers somehow?
PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, Deputy Premier. And if I can begin by congratulating you on your determination to see this come to life. I too acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation and pay our collective respects to elders past, present and emerging. I acknowledge His Excellency, the Governor, Chris Dawson. And I acknowledge all dignitaries who have been acknowledged.
The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver on its commitment to reduce cost of living pressures in remote First Nations communities, with 15 stores across Western Australia now offering cheaper groceries for customers.
From Bidyadanga and Yakanarra in the Kimberley, to Kiwirrkurra in the Gibson Desert and Jigalong in the Pilbara, families can buy cheaper food and other everyday items through the government’s Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme.
The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver on its commitment to Closing the Gap, supporting First Nations people as they transition out of the justice system and build stronger futures.
Phase 1 of the Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program has now commenced, with 15 out of the 16 organisations selected to deliver services across multiple correctional facilities nationally being First Nations‑led and community‑controlled.
Indigenous Affairs Ministers met via videoconference last Friday (February 20) to outline priorities and progress outcomes for First Nations people and communities.
Federal Minister Malarndirri McCarthy opened the meeting with an acknowledgement of the alleged terrorist attack at an Invasion Day rally in Perth on 26 January 2026. Ministers recognised the need for coordinated action to strengthen community safety and support social cohesion in response to incidents of hate and extremism.
RAF EPSTEIN, HOST: We're joined now by the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman. Good morning.
PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Good morning Raf, and good morning to your listeners, whether they be monarchists, republicans or people who are just passionate about the constitution of Australia.
TOM CONNELL, HOST: Let's return to the Coalition call on so-called 'ISIS brides' and their children. They're challenging the federal Government to have new laws in place to potentially block them, or those in a similar position, from coming back into the country. Joining me live now, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman and former Liberal MP, Jason Falinski.
The Albanese Government is continuing its work to improve connectivity and narrow the digital divide for First Nations Australians, with free community Wi-Fi connectivity being rolled out in up to 53 remote communities across the country.
The Government’s $20 million First Nations Community Wi-Fi program will support better access to essential services like healthcare, education and training opportunities; promote greater cultural and community connection; and enable more equitable participation for First Nations people in digital life.
As Assistant Minister for the Public Service, the State of the Service Roadshow is one of the highlights of my year. It captures a small slice of the big effort all of you put in year after year to serve all Australians. An innovative, professional and inclusive APS is vital to how we deliver services Australians can rely on every day. And delivery happens because of you.
The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to create more jobs and economic opportunities in remote communities, with the third grant round of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program now open to fund 1,300 jobs across the country.
The Government is doubling the RJED program from 3,000 to 6,000 new jobs by 2030, with an additional $299 million investment, announced last week as part of the Commonwealth’s 2026 Closing the Gap Implementation Report.