CHAIR (Mr Debus) —I declare open this public meeting of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs inquiry into community stores in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities. I acknowledge the Ngunawal and Ngambri people, the traditional custodians of this land, and we pay our respects to elders past, present and future. The committee also acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who now reside in this area.

These meetings are formal proceedings of the parliament. Everything said should be factual and honest. It can be considered a serious matter to attempt to mislead the committee. I invite witnesses to make comments that will assist us in our inquiry with the intention of making some improvements to the present government administration in relation to remote community stores. This hearing is open to the public. A transcript of what is said will be placed on the committee’s website.

[11.49 am]