Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Community Services) Share this | Hansard source

confessed, when chairing that committee, that there was very little support for ATSIC. Obviously the policy does not go to asking their own people who may reflect upon those things. There have been some interjections—Mr President, I know you have asked me not to take the interjections from the Leader of the Opposition—about hand-selected people. Frankly, I think all Australians are sick and tired of those on the other side knocking the National Indigenous Council. They are doing an absolutely outstanding job. They are fantastic Indigenous leaders and they are providing this government with excellent advice. It is that advice that we can count on continually to ensure that our policies reflect the wishes of Indigenous Australians.