Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Macdonald for his question, although it was not really a question; it was more of a diatribe, I think. We are committed to the rights of Indigenous people and the senator is correct in pointing out the action we took in joining the UN instrument and expressing support for the rights of Indigenous people. It is also the case that in making the apology to Indigenous people we were supported by the Liberal Party at the time, I am pleased to say. That was a very helpful development in the Liberal Party attitude to our Indigenous people.

When made the apology we also indicated that our clear policy commitment was to closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage, and that is where the rubber hits the road. We are absolutely committed to that task. I have urged those opposite to join with us in that effort because I think that, until we get bipartisan support for these measures, we are not actually going to make progress. Over the years, we have seen governments, with the best of intentions, try and assist Indigenous people to take their rightful place in this society—and we have all failed. We are absolutely committed to the closing the gap targets. That is why on 11 February this year, the closest sitting date to the anniversary of the apology, the report about our progress on closing the gap will be delivered to the parliament. We will address the practical issues as well as recognising the symbolic significance of the apology. We accept entirely that practical progress is absolutely necessary, not just the very important symbolic statement that was involved with the apology. (Time expired)