APY LANDS, FOOD SECURITY

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:08): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, questions about the Mai Wiru regional stores.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Recently a protest was held in Amata town square about the loss of the Amata community store. Elders and community leaders turned out at this meeting to show their support for Mai Wiru and the great work they do for food security on the lands. As many would know, the Hon. Tammy Franks and I have championed the case for this group on a number of occasions.

At this meeting the committee rejected any other organisation to take its place, especially the government-run Outback Stores, which is a testament to this government's record in the area of Aboriginal affairs. My question to the minister is: will the government commit to the funding that Mai Wiru requires to ensure the future of the community stores on the APY lands and, if not, why not?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for his most important question and I undertake to take that question to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation in another place and seek a response on his behalf.