Minister for Indigenous Australians
EMMA KELLAWAY: Senator, obviously today marks one year since the referendum. Since then, you've said your government is still committed to the principles of treaty and Makarrata, but will you take a promise of establishing a Makarrata Truth-telling Commission to the next election?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: When we saw the weaponisation of Indigenous issues throughout the referendum, it was an incredibly difficult and painful time, especially for many First Nations people, but even ordinary Australians who just don't like that kind of lowering of the debate on a matter that was so important. I certainly don't want to see that happen again. In terms of treaty and truth-telling, tomorrow will be the first committee hearing of the Truth and Justice Bill by the Senate. That will travel across the country and enable Australians to give their voice to what the next steps should be, and I'm looking forward to seeing what that Senate report delivers.
KELLAWAY: So, no Commission?
McCARTHY: At this point in time, we are going through a particular process. I do think it's important to listen to people through that process of the Senate inquiry. And I am keen to hear what ordinary Australians have to say in terms of moving our country in any direction. I'm also pleased though, to see what's happening in Queensland with their treaty process. And look at Victoria and I think that they're quite outstanding in the leadership they're showing with their process. And, of course, we have the infancy of the Voice in South Australia. And I'm looking forward to seeing how they progress as well.
KELLAWAY: And in Queensland the LNP has promised to axe the Truth-telling Commission if it wins the state election. Does this show a need for a national-led commission?
McCARTHY: Well, I'd certainly urge anyone who takes on the position in Queensland to certainly support Joshua Creamer and the members of the Treaty Commission there. They are doing an amazing job, and to see the turnout that's happened with the inquiries they've held, it's been quite substantial. And we've seen lots of Queenslanders turn up to that, and I'd urge any incoming government to certainly consider what they're doing in supporting that Commission in Queensland.
KELLAWAY: And a Cobble Cobble referendum proponent, Megan Davis, has said that she was open to halting the referendum process as the polls worsened. Why didn't the government pull back?
McCARTHY: The referendum has taken place. I think it's really unhelpful to actually dissect to such a degree individuals' emotions and feelings about what could have and should have been done. From the government's perspective, we took an election commitment to the people that we would hold a referendum. We held a referendum. Sadly, we lost the referendum and now we're getting on beyond the referendum.
KELLAWAY: And speaking in terms of beyond the referendum, one of your key goals as Minister has been to build bipartisan support for Indigenous Affairs and Closing the Gap measures. With an election just around the corner, have you made any inroads with the Coalition?
McCARTHY: Certainly, with the Coalition I encourage Senator Nampijinpa Price to take up that invitation. I will be writing to her again for the November sittings, where I'll be holding another gathering of conversations with members across the party aisle on Closing the Gap, and I certainly extend that invitation still.
KELLAWAY: And in other work that you've been doing, a Commissioner for First Nations children will begin work early next year, with a key focus on improving out-of-home care and rates of youth detention. Will they have any powers beyond providing policy advice?
McCARTHY: In terms of the First Nations Commissioner for Children and Young People, this is really about advertising the position, establishing the Commission. What I want to see the Commission take part in, is assisting in reducing the high rates of out-of-home care of First Nations children from their families, but also the high rates of incarceration of juveniles and young people in detention. We are 29 times more likely to see one of First Nations children incarcerated before any other Australian. So, these are the areas that I certainly will want to see the First Nations Commissioner focus on.
KELLAWAY: And beyond focusing on those areas, what work do you hope will come from that?
McCARTHY: We want to see Closing the Gap actually achieve those targets. So, they are two critical targets in Closing the Gap, but also the other areas with homelessness, we want to see more housing and getting our kids to school, which is something that we are seeing improvement in in the early childhood space. These are things that the First Nations Commissioner will no doubt keep across.
KELLAWAY: And Closing the Gap is a national agreement; a large part of it comes down to action by states and territories. In the Northern Territory we've got the newly elected CLP government, and this week they're looking to lower the age of criminal responsibility back down to 10. Would the Federal Government consider cutting funding for programs that support jailing 10-year-olds?
McCARTHY: It is concerning to see the Northern Territory Government take this step to lower the age. I do think - and I have reached out to the Northern Territory Government - that all state and territory jurisdictions need to take a good look at other options for our youth. What are the ways that we can work with our young people and their families in a holistic way without having to resort to detention? We are going to have the First Nations Ministers from each state and territory jurisdiction meet next month, and I'm looking forward to meeting with them, but also with the Coalition of Peaks. This will be a critical point of discussion.
KELLAWAY: Would the Federal Government consider putting funds away from jailing, towards those programs that you speak about?
McCARTHY: Well, we know that each state and territory has the responsibility of corrections. What I'm saying is that it is concerning to see our youth focused in a way that is just about detention. I want to see other programs that assist our youth to stay out of detention and the support that's required for them and their families.
KELLAWAY: And Senator, do you have any other reflections on this day, one year on from the referendum?
McCARTHY: Well, I certainly think that, you know, the reflection for me in regards to the referendum is how grateful I am for the millions of people that came together to work on that campaign, support that campaign in terms of a 'Yes' vote. And, yes, while it was incredibly disappointing, I'm also aware that, you know, we are resilient people. We've had plenty of disappointments over decades, if not centuries, and we're not going anywhere. We just keep moving on.
KELLAWAY: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.
McCARTHY: Thank you.
