Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

Once again, I thank Senator Ruston for her question. Minister Burney can obviously speak for herself. I'm not here speaking on her behalf. I am speaking on behalf of the minister who is responsible for this particular piece of legislation, and that is Minister Rishworth. As Minister for Social Services, she and her department are working with the FRC to affirm income management for people in Cape York and to ensure the continuation of support services for people. The minister and Assistant Minister Elliot visited Cape York communities to consult on what income management should look like and what supports will be required to ensure communities are best placed to address the complex social issues that they face.

The model of income management operated in the Cape York region by the Family Responsibilities Commission is distinct to the broad-base compulsory income management models elsewhere in the country. The FRC model is one informed by self-determination, which is something that the Albanese government is committed to supporting for our First Nations communities. We will always listen closely to these communities about the solutions they would like to see in their communities.

The Minister for Social Services visited the Cape York region in recent weeks and spoke with Commissioner Tammy Williams and the local commissioner for Doomadgee. She also met with Noel Pearson and gave evidence to the Senate committee hearing into the CDC that he does not agree with the blanket imposition of the card. Assistant Minister Elliot also visited the remote Cape York community of Aurukun to observe the FRC's operation at work.

As far as the Northern Territory is concerned, there's no evidence that this card has made any difference. The card has not worked. It does not address the concerns of some communities about alcohol abuse and violence in the community, particularly against women and children. We need new ways to do better for Northern Territory Australians. Forget about the discriminatory practices introduced by those opposite. People on compulsory income management in the Northern Territory will go back to the BasicsCard for the time being. We are continuing our discussions with the people in these communities so that we can consider their needs in any future decisions. NT communities deserve opportunities to participate in meaningful work and receive the support they need while they are seeking jobs just like everyone else in Australia.