Thank you Dr Caroline Hughes for your warm Welcome.

I too acknowledge Country and pay respects to the traditional owners.

It's so important that we continue to observe these cultural protocols.

Thank you to David Williams for your performance

To Michael McLeod, who've I've known for many years, and the Message Stick Foundation -

Thank you for hosting this annual National Apology Breakfast

It's such a significant event

And a reminder that we must pause and reflect –

The Albanese Government is announcing a new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED) that will help close the gap in employment outcomes by creating 3,000 jobs in remote Australia.

This $707 million investment is the first step in delivering on our commitment to replace the failed Community Development Program (CDP) with real jobs, proper wages, and decent conditions.

The new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, starting in the second half of this year, is about self-determination through economic and community development.

The Albanese Government is announcing a new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED) that will help close the gap in employment outcomes by creating 3,000 jobs in remote Australia.

This $707 million investment is the first step in delivering on our commitment to replace the failed Community Development Program (CDP) with real jobs, proper wages, and decent conditions.

The new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, starting in the second half of this year, is about self-determination through economic and community development.

The Albanese Labor Government is providing up to $66 million funding boost to over 65 Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) treatment organisations across the country supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

The investment, as part of the Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alcohol and Other Drugs Treatment Services Initiative, is the first time in a decade that the majority of services have received a funding increase.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Big week in politics. We say that a bit, but it certainly has been this week. Let's thrash it out with Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman and the NSW Liberal Party president, Jason Falinski. Although, as I say, that that's still your role Jason? I know you're tapping the mat? Sort of only lasted a few months, you're like a millennial worker with your concentration levels. Are you still in that position?

The Albanese Labor Government has announced an enduring resolution for people impacted by the collapse of the insurance provider Youpla Group.

The Youpla Support Program will begin on 1 July 2024, and is expected to help more than 13,000 people recover from financial loss and provide certainty to families.

This initiative meets the Government’s commitment to address the failure of the previous Coalition Government.

The new program will be for people who held an active policy on or after 1 August 2015.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Well the shows called ‘Politics Now’, we thought, why not get a politician to discuss some things? The Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, is getting the privilege of being the first one to appear on the programme.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE: You’re welcome.

CONNELL: Appreciate your time.

HOST, BRIDGET BRENNAN: There's been an outpouring of grief and tributes following the death of trailblazing Aboriginal leader Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue at the age of 91 yesterday. The former Australian of the Year was surrounded by her loved ones on Kaurna country when she died in Adelaide. Her passing is being felt right across the country. And a warning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers - we are about to show her image.  The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, joins us now from Sydney. Good morning to you, Minister.

DAN BOURCHIER, HOST: And for more on this news this afternoon, we're joined by the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney. Minister Burney, thank you for joining me. How do you reflect on the passing of Lowitja?

Australia mourns the passing of Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue and it is with great sadness and love that I pay tribute to her remarkable legacy.

The Yankunytjatjara woman was a fearless and passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Throughout her career in public life, Dr O’Donoghue displayed enormous courage, dignity and grace.

She dedicated her life to improving the lives of Indigenous Australians and deserves our deepest respect and gratitude.