Senator ELLISON (Special Minister of State) (4:53 PM) —I can confirm the comments of the opposition in relation to the negotiation that has gone on between the government and the opposition. Can I thank the opposition for the constructive approach it has adopted in relation to this matter. I echo the sentiments of Senator Carr in relation to what I think is generally a feeling across the political spectrum that indigenous education merits serious attention and is a challenge which faces all concerned for the future. The amendments that we have here are, first, providing for the gazettal of details of agreements made with education providers and, second, providing for the tabling of an annual report containing certain financial and performance information. Whilst the subject matter of the amendments does not go necessarily to the programs themselves in relation to indigenous education, they deal with an important aspect of accountability.

In addition to these amendments, the government will endeavour to provide members with access to draft indigenous education agreements, finalised agreements upon request, and details of where funding has been reduced to an education provider except where the reduction was due to normal parameter changes such as a decrease in enrolments or finalisation of a one-off project. That echoes the statement made by the minister for education, Dr Kemp, in the other place and places on record the government's undertaking in relation to the requests made by the opposition. I commend to the Senate the legislation which is the subject of these amendments. I think there is great merit in these being passed as quickly as possible.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Resolution reported; report adopted.