Standing Committee on Social Issues

Debate resumed from 26 November 2008.Debate resumed from 26 November 2008.

Dr JOHN KAYE [2.47 p.m.]: On 26 November last year I made some remarks about the interim report of the Standing Committee on Social Issues on overcoming indigenous disadvantage in New South Wales and I wish to conclude those remarks now with some general observations. This interim report presents a summary of the state of play across a vast number of areas of concern with respect to the impacts on Aboriginal people. It presents a massive volume of very important evidence that will inform, and already has informed, debate on the issue of how we overcome Aboriginal and indigenous disadvantage in this State.

I pay tribute to my colleagues on the standing committee: Trevor Khan, Mick Veitch, Marie Ficarra and Greg Donnelly, and in particular the Chair, Ian West. They displayed unflagging sensitivity during a very complex inquiry, utilising many people skills. I was impressed by the approach that each and every one of my colleagues took. We come from very different backgrounds and hold diverse political and social views. However, when it came to the core issues in a report that will really make a difference to the lives of indigenous Australians, there was a shared commitment. It is a testament to what can be achieved on issues such as this when we rise above partisan politics.

I also praise the committee staff, who steered a complex process with an enormous amount of sensitivity, facilitated hearings under very difficult circumstances, and were able to collate a massive amount of data and take from quite diverse hearings some very interesting and valuable lessons. I particularly thank Rachel Simpson, Victoria Pymm, Glenda Baker, Elizabeth Galton and Teresa Robinson for their hard work, commitment and, in their dealings with me, their good humour. I also thank the Hansard staff who were our constant companions when we travelled around the State, and who did an excellent job. I am looking forward to the take-note debate on the final report, which contains some very interesting and salient recommendations.

The Hon. IAN WEST [2.51 p.m.]: I thank committee members for their contributions to this debate and I thank them for their commitment to this inquiry. We should all be proud of the outcome of the interim report. The final report is now ready for discussion. I commend the report to the House and urge members to take note of it.

Question—That the House take note of the report—put and resolved in the affirmative.

Motion agreed to.