Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I apologise, Senator Nampijinpa Price. I am disappointed in the question. It's a question I have heard from those who seek to undermine indigeneity.

Opposition senators interjecting—

I'm not suggesting—

Honourable senators interjecting—

But I accept that you wish to put that to me, and I will answer it. I am advised that there is a three-part test which is widely accepted and has not changed. I am advised that the Australian government generally applies the following common-law criteria for the purpose of determining eligibility for First Nations specific services. They are that a person is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and is accepted as such by the community in which they live or have previously lived. I am advised that this is a widely accepted test by government agencies, by First Nations organisations and community organisations, and, if I may say, it would appear to be common sense.