Steve Georganas (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) | Hansard source

I thank my very good friend the member for Riverina for allowing me to go before him, to accommodate my schedule tonight.

Speaking on closing the gap, I want to take a few moments to remember a remarkable woman, Lowitja O'Donoghue, who was a South Australian. As we mourn her passing, we remember everything she stood for. We remember the positive impact she had on Australia, on First Nations people and in fact on the world. Despite a childhood marked by separation from family, culture and even her name, she never lost her belief in her country. Lowitja understood Australia had to do better to be better united and reconciled. I hope Australia will continue to embrace the wisdom that she shared. Not everyone gets the same chances, and it's time to change that.

I recall clearly that, during Kevin Rudd's era, one of the first things he did was give the apology in this parliament. It was the moment that made us all feel proud. I felt extremely proud being in that chamber on the day, looking around in the galleries and seeing all the First Nations people in the chamber. But one particular person was Lowitja O'Donoghue, who was in the 'special guest' chair. I recall clearly that, once the apology had been given by the Prime Minister, I went up and shook her hand, and she gave me a great big hug and had tears coming from her eyes. That's what the apology meant to our First Nations people.

As I said, not everyone gets the same chances. It's time to change that, and it's time to make some positive changes. Every person, no matter where they're from, deserves a shot at success. We need real changes in education, jobs, health care—the whole package. It's not just about talk; it's about taking some action. Let's think about the national apology from former prime minister Rudd. It acknowledged the struggles of the stolen generation. Former prime minister Rudd's sincere address called for unity and a collective commitment to a more compassionate future.

Anniversaries are important, such as the Closing the gap report that we debate in this place every year. They are important. But what really counts is what we do now and into the future—the action that we take that will determine the future. We want our First Nations Indigenous brothers and sisters not only to be part of the conversation but to actually lead it, to be inspired and to have opportunities. As a grandfather I'm happy my grandchildren will have good chances, but everyone should have equal opportunities, without unfair treatment. That's why the Prime Minister handed down the Closing the gap annual report, as we see every year—as we saw the previous Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, do, and Mr Turnbull and Mr Abbott before him.

The 2024 implementation plan is important. It's not just paperwork; it's a road map into the future and a road map for real change, aimed at making life better for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. This government is investing $30.2 million in remote training hubs in seven locations in Central Australia. We're creating opportunities where they're needed the most. We're delivering an additional $10.7 million to continue the Justice Policy Partnership. And, of course, we're working extremely hard, as all governments, politicians, state parliaments et cetera should be working, to reduce the incarceration rates and create a fairer system. There are programs for community wi-fi for about 20 remote communities. We're also putting $24 million into expanding the junior rangers program to 50 sites, giving more First Nations students the chance to get involved.

This is a call for action. There has already been significant progress under the 2023 closing the gap implementation plan. There are 183 people who have joined the health worker traineeship program. Part of the commitment is funding for 500 First Nations health workers. So the improvement is continuing.

We're improving access to clean water, for example, in remote Northern Territory communities. Can you believe that, in a First World country such as Australia, we're dealing with some of our communities not having clean water? It is something that just baffles me when you think of the wealth of our nation. Yet we have a small segment that does not have the same opportunities we do in every sector, from health right through to education and jobs. There's the $100 million investment in fixing homes and infrastructure on Northern Territory homelands, with 157 houses currently on track to be delivered earlier, easing overcrowding in remote communities.

The justice reinvestment package is helping communities find local solutions, local answers, for safety and for reducing those incarceration rates that I spoke about. Very importantly, over 14,000 First Nations students are taking fee-free TAFE courses for better education. We all know education is the key: education, training and skills. If you give those people—or anyone, as a matter of fact—that solid foundation through education, it improves lives. Not only will it improve lives; it will improve their communities as well. We're supporting the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation hiring 260 new workers for cancer treatments and other vital support.

I'm proud of what this government is achieving. We still have a very long way to go, obviously. Small steps are being made, but these steps represent real change, and together we're working towards a more equal and brighter future for all Australians. Here's to a future where our Indigenous communities are not just equal but empowered. Together we can make it happen. By listening to the locals and working with communities, we can make progress on closing the gap.

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