KALPARRIN COMMUNITY

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:14): By way of supplementary question: minister, thanks for that information. You are the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and this is a serious issue with the Aboriginal community. Have you visited the Kalparrin Community and looked at the good work they do? Do you have any intention of going there?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:14): This might be an opportunity to put on the record some of the wonderful work we do in education. How much time do we have, sir?

The PRESIDENT: About six minutes.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: There has been much progress in our efforts to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal people. The target to ensure that Aboriginal four year olds in remote communities have access to early childhood education will be achieved this year. As a result, the Prime Minister announced on 4 June a new early education target for Indigenous children to ensure that 90 per cent of all Indigenous children across Australia attend a quality early childhood education program the year before they start full-time school. We've had this discussion in this place before.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: We've had this discussion in this place before.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister has got the call.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Do they not understand on the other side what mainstreaming means? Do they not understand that putting policy for Aboriginal issues into mainstream agencies and departments means that those agencies will be taking responsibility—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: —for delivery of services?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Do they not understand anything at all about—

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: Why don't you show some leadership?

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: —Aboriginal policy? These guys have not got the first clue.

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: Why don't you show some leadership in Aboriginal affairs?

The PRESIDENT: Order!