We need an audit into the wasted billions spent by Labor and the Coalition on the Aboriginal industry and we need a Royal Commission into the abuse of children in these communities.
Labor dismantled the Northern Territory intervention made under John Howard in response to the appalling reports of rampant child sexual abuse coming out of the communities.
But the abuse never stopped.
Child sexual abuse continues to traumatise another generation of young indigenous people in remote communities.
These kids hit the streets every night – because they’re safer out there than at home – and getting into all sorts of trouble.
They deserve support.
They deserve a safe home and a safe community.
They deserve nothing less than a Royal Commission into how this abuse has been allowed to continue.
I’m very pleased the Coalition has adopted my call for a comprehensive audit into the aboriginal industry gravy train.
I have been calling for this audit since I was first elected in 1996.
Around one trillion dollars has been poured into indigenous programs since the awful Whitlam era.
These are programs designed and delivered mostly by indigenous activists, advocates, and the many indigenous corporations, land councils and charities.
And the gaps are not closing.
It hasn’t been a total waste, and the audit could also identify those few programs which have genuinely delivered better outcomes.
I would welcome that with all my heart, because it would help deliver on the third element of this motion – practical policy ideas that really improve the lives of Australians living in disadvantage.