Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to respond to the address by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Hon. Sam Mostyn, to mark the opening of the 48th Parliament of Australia.

No-one left behind and no-one held back—this is what the Albanese government is all about. It's what the Prime Minister took to the election, and it's what each of us, as members of the Albanese government, took to our constituents. It's what guides us in a second-term Albanese government. Our No. 1 focus is continuing to deliver cost-of-living relief for all Australians.

We promised cutting student debt would be the first thing we'd do in the 48th Parliament, and that's exactly what we're doing, because getting an education shouldn't mean a mountain of debt. No-one left behind and no-one held back is also what guides me in my role as the Minister for Indigenous Australians. I'm focused on delivering on our substantial commitments for First Nations people. We're delivering remote housing, we're delivering remote jobs and we're delivering remote food security. We are focused on economic empowerment and we are focused on closing the gap. We're working in partnership with First Nations people, communities and organisations as well as governments right across Australia, because closing the gap is everyone's responsibility.

Improving outcomes in remote communities is one of our biggest challenges, which is why I am so pleased the Prime Minister has created a new role of Special Envoy for Remote Communities. I'm thrilled that that position has been given to the member for Lingiari, whose electorate includes all of the Northern Territory's remote First Nations communities. I know that the member's fierce advocacy and commitment will make a difference for remote communities across Australia. It's an absolute pleasure to work with the member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour.

One of the ways we're investing in remote communities is our new Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme, which began on 1 July. It's reducing the cost of 30 essential items in remote communities; delivering important cost-of-living relief; and reducing the cost of everyday items like rice, tinned vegetables, nappies and toilet paper so that they are comparable to supermarket prices in cities. This follows a successful trial in dozens of communities, delivering to remote residents something that those living in the cities take for granted.

I recently visited the Outback Stores warehouse in Darwin with the Special Envoy for Remote Communities so that both of us could see the products that are going out to communities. Along with the subsidy scheme, there is a new National Code of Practice for Remote Store Operations and a dedicated governance training and support package for staff. We're also investing in upskilling staff in more than 100 stores to promote good nutrition and healthy choices to consumers to help improve health outcomes in our remote communities.

The Albanese government is committed to working with First Nations people, communities, organisations and enterprises to drive economic empowerment and self-determination. We are delivering a First Nations economic partnership. We have strengthened Indigenous Business Australia by enabling investment in First Nations businesses and communities. Jobs are, of course, at the centre of our focus on economic empowerment. The Albanese government understands that having a real job changes lives, particularly in our remote regions.

Our Remote Jobs and Economic Development program will create up to 3,000 new jobs in remote communities over three years. Already there have been 650 new jobs funded with more than 100 local employers across the country, and there will soon be more jobs on the ground. I'm absolutely focused on this. Later this year we will also deliver the new Remote Australia Employment Service, replacing the failed Community Development Program. The first grant opportunity opened last month, marking another important milestone. This new program focuses on supporting jobseekers into real work, including through community projects.

One area of economic and environmental work that I'm incredibly proud of is the Indigenous Rangers Program. I've been really incredibly lucky to see the great work of rangers as I travel right across Australia, from the Arafura Swamp in north-east Arnhem Land to Groote Eylandt, from Queanbeyan, near Canberra, to Red Bay and Tamworth in New South Wales, from Cairns and back down to Healesville in Victoria. All of our First Nations rangers are doing an incredible job.