Stolen Generations Compensation

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:58): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation a question regarding the Stolen Generations (Compensation) Bill.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: On Tuesday I asked the minister what the government's intention was regarding this bill. The minister, in his answer, promised to consult widely. My question is: has the government reached a position to support this bill, has caucus agreed to progress this bill and has cabinet agreed to progress this bill?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:59): I thank the honourable member for his question and his continuing genuine interest and concern in these matters. Of course, I am not going to talk in this chamber about what caucus and cabinet do or do not agree to, but I will reiterate to the honourable member that it is an important issue and we are continuing to progress it and consult on it. In fact, tomorrow I am spending a couple of hours out at Tauondi with members of the stolen generations to further talk about this matter.