Rachel Siewert WA, Australian Greens
5:20 pm
I move:
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) the refresh of the Closing the Gap targets has not yet been completed, and
(ii) COAG has committed to ensuring that the design and implementation of the next phase of Closing the Gap is a true partnership;
(b) acknowledges that:
(i) self-determination is key to closing the gap, and
(ii) a Voice to Parliament would be a historic step for self-determination, justice and healing for First Nations peoples;
(c) urges the Federal, state and territory Governments to work with First Nations peoples to deliver programs that are developed and controlled by and for First Nations peoples; and
(d) calls on all Australian Governments to support the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak bodies to progress a formal partnership with the Council of Australian Governments on Closing the Gap.
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific
The government is committed to the Closing the Gap agenda and delivering better outcomes for Indigenous Australians. Unlike the original Closing the Gap targets, the Refresh targets are being developed in genuine partnership with Indigenous Australians. Last week, a historic Joint Council on Closing the Gap meeting was held in Brisbane and it was co-chaired by a coalition of peak Indigenous organisations. This process will ensure we drive real change through the next phase of closing the gap.
Scott Ryan President
Yes, Senator Spender. How would you like it to be put?
Duncan Spender NSW, Liberal Democratic Party
(a) and (b) separate from (c) and (d).
Scott Ryan President
I will first put the question that clauses (a) and (b) of motion No. 1415 in the name of Senator Siewert be agreed to.
Question agreed to.
I will now put the question that clauses (c) and (d) of motion No. 1415 in the name of Senator Siewert be agreed to.
Question agreed to.