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

I thank Senator Cox for the question. The Albanese Labor government is absolutely committed to building a stronger future for First Nations Australians, and economic empowerment is very much at the heart of that commitment

Over recent weeks I've travelled across the country to host First Nations economic roundtables. We met on Gadigal country, in Sydney; on Larrakia country, in Darwin; on Kaurna country, in Adelaide; on Turrbal and Yuggera country, in Brisbane; on Wurundjeri country, in Melbourne; on Noongar country, in Perth; and on Yaburara country, in Karratha. Each of these roundtables has fed directly into the Treasurer's productivity roundtable. At every roundtable we heard directly from First Nations leaders about the opportunities and challenges facing their organisations and communities. These discussions were rich, grounded in lived experience and focused on practical ways we can work together to drive jobs, enterprise and long-term economic independence. I heard from First Nations leaders about possibilities for Indigenous businesses, opportunities for land activation to support community aspirations and the power of education as a foundation for economic empowerment.

I want to thank my Labor colleagues who joined me and helped to co-chair many of these important conversations, including you, President; Senator Cox; Senator Stewart; Senator Smith; the Assistant Treasurer; the member for Bonner; and the member for Barton as well. Their attendance and their support demonstrate the whole-of-government commitment we are bringing to this reform agenda. The voices of First Nations people are at the centre of this work, and their insights have fed into the Treasurer's roundtables and our reform agenda. This is how we ensure that economic empowerment and productivity go hand in hand for the benefit of all Australians.