Senate debates

Thursday, 16 August 2007

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Payment Reform) Bill 2007; Northern Territory National Emergency Response Bill 2007; Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) Bill 2007; Appropriation (Northern Territory National Emergency Response) Bill (No. 1) 2007-2008; Appropriation (Northern Territory National Emergency Response) Bill (No. 2) 2007-2008

In Committee

11:59 pm

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

That is not always the language of choice. It is the language that the individual uses. I am not trying to get around it but I am not sure about the term ‘first language’. But it is the language that person is most familiar with this—yes, that is clearly the intent, Senator.

I do not have to take the other question on notice. The Northern Territory government have told us that 2,500 are not attending school and 2,000 are not enrolled in school. They go on to say that it is not only their responsibility, and not the Commonwealth’s responsibility, but that they believe they are in a position to be able to fulfil the requirements of 2,500 people now attending and 2,000 enrolling and then attending. They say that they are in a position to meet that demand.

Sitting suspended from midnight to 9.30 am

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