David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I also rise to speak on the motion to take note of the answers from Senator Scullion. I want to start off by recognising Senator Sterle and his genuine passion and concern for the people of Western Australia, particularly in Indigenous communities. In relation to his questioning of Senator Scullion though, I have to draw attention back to previous occasions when Senator Sterle has come in here with information that has been provided to him by people on the ground and with their view of what may or may not happen and has raised questions or made accusations about things closing down.

I take the Senate back to September 2014 where he asked questions about communities in Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. He said that these centres were closing and he asked what the families were going to do. Senator Scullion pointed out:

The direct answer to your question is they are going to continue to go to these family and children centres because they are staying open. They are not going anywhere.

The point I make is that Senator Scullion, in his answer, is coming from the position of someone who lives in the Northern Territory, cares deeply for Indigenous communities and connects with people—