Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Hansard source

I think that in government you must deal with issues as they arise on the merits according to proper principle. In this case we have deemed that, in relation to a level of government in Queensland, the people of Queensland should be given the right to have a say in whether a level of government is gutted by the Premier of Queensland. And I note that the opposition fully support our position.

With respect to consultation on the Northern Territory intervention, I think that Minister Brough conducted very widespread consultation on the matter. He has the support of Magistrate Sue Gordon and of Noel Pearson and Warren Mundine. Significant leaders of the Aboriginal community support this. My assessment is that this intervention has widespread support throughout the Aboriginal community of the Northern Territory. Mr President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.