I am very pleased to speak on this particular motion and commend the Hon. Tammy Franks for her pretty comprehensive description of the work that we have done and, pretty accurately, the way in which we have gone about it. I do not need to repeat verbatim the things that the Hon. Tammy Franks has said, but I do agree with her quite comprehensive coverage.
What I wanted to say was that, personally, I am looking forward to the next 12 months. I am hoping we can move not only onto trying in a compassionate way to listen to the issues that Aboriginal people present to us, but I would really like to find and try to suggest some positive things where we can either suggest or encourage Aboriginal people to improve their lives and their employment prospects.
I asked a question in the house today about tourism opportunities. I would really like the minister, if possible, or his office to try to devote some time to explore some of the opportunities that surely other people are doing well in other states. I do not know that we have to reinvent the wheel but it would be fabulous if we could show people good examples of really good opportunities for them to present their story to people who I know, especially interstate and overseas people, who are really hungry to understand the bits and pieces of Aboriginal culture, so I think there is an enormous opportunity there that personally I would like us to explore. I would love to see us contributing to some really positive stories, if we possibly can, with Aboriginal people.
I commend the Hon. Tung Ngo for his leadership. He has learnt a lot in his short time on the committee and he is a pleasure to work with, as are the other committee members from this house: the Hon. Tammy Franks and those lower house members in Jon Gee MP, Eddie Hughes MP and Dr Duncan McFetridge MP. I think we all have a genuine want to make a good contribution to the lives of Aboriginal people. Sometimes we are obviously frustrated that we cannot turn the wheel quickly enough but I know that at times even to listen to some people's stories and to pass those stories on give some comfort.
I thank Jason Caire, the secretary of the committee. He is extremely diligent in the way he tries to organise the MPs on that committee. Sometimes it is difficult because we can be like herding cats, because we all have different things we need to do. I will put on the record that occasionally I tease Jason a little bit and stir him up but he takes that in good spirit and really does work hard to try to accommodate all of our needs and things that we need to work within with regard to trips and that sort of thing. I thank Jason and I look forward to continuing to serve on that committee. Let's hope that we can continue to work with the minister and improve the lives of Aboriginal people. I commend the motion.