Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said money given to Indigenous programs should be checked to ensure it was going to the most deserving people.
A row over federal spending is clouding the final phase of the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to parliament, with No campaigners demanding an audit of the money spent on First Australians and a former federal minister backing the call.
“I don’t think anyone could genuinely say that Indigenous people are getting value for money,” said Vanstone, who was responsible for Indigenous affairs during the Howard government. The Productivity Commission found six years ago that spending on Indigenous Australians was $33.4 billion in 2016 across all services from federal, state and territory governments. The federal portion was $14.7 billion.
Dutton, speaking alongside Price at a press conference on Tuesday, said he would have more to say about the matter before the next election, but confirmed he supported the need to examine how money is spent on remote communities. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s call for an audit into Indigenous programs was backed by former Indigenous affairs minister Amanda Vanstone.The Australian National Audit Office has completed several reviews of Indigenous agencies or policies each year over recent decades, with 22 audits completed while the Coalition held power from 2013 to 2022.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dutton, Price want Indigenous spending auditedOpposition Leader Peter Dutton said money given to Indigenous programs should be checked to ensure it was going to the most deserving people.
Read more »
Dutton, Price want Indigenous spending auditedOpposition Leader Peter Dutton said money given to Indigenous programs should be checked to ensure it was going to the most deserving people.
Read more »
Albanese must ‘take responsibility’ for Voice division: DuttonPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of refusing to take responsibility for the division caused by the Voice referendum, despite 'numerous' warnings not to proceed without bipartisan support.
Read more »
Peter Dutton, both prophet and protagonist, has made his division manifestBut being relentlessly negative won’t convince undecided and disengaged voters you are worth a look. It is not a strategy for winning back the teal seats
Read more »
Guardian Essential poll: yes vote gains ground but no still ahead on Indigenous voiceLatest survey suggests 28% of voters remain in play as Anthony Albanese says one-on-one chats will shape referendum outcome
Read more »