Scullion announced as Indigenous affairs minister

Other than his brief junior ministerial responsibilities, many in the NT and beyond will remember that Nigel Scullion, and his local office, were closely involved in the preparations for – and execution of – the Howard/Brough Intervention into Aboriginal community life in the NT in 2007.

The incoming Indigenous affairs minister Nigel Scullion (right) with Alison Anderson and Tony Abbott in 2011

Amy McGuire Tracker 16 September 2013

Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott has named his first cabinet and outer ministry – with NT Senator Nigel Scullion confirmed as Indigenous affairs minister.

Senator Scullion is also the leader of the Nationals in the Senate. There will be no Minister for Indigenous Health or for Indigenous employment – which were junior portfolios under Labor.

Mr Abbott announced during the election campaign that the Indigenous affairs portfolio would be placed within Prime Minister and Cabinet, and that he would like to be a “Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs”.

There will also be an Indigenous Advisory Council headed by former ALP President Warren Mundine. The make-up of the rest of the council has not been announced.

Senator Scullion has held the shadow Indigenous affairs portfolio since 2010.

For Tracker’s pre-election interview with Senator Scullion please click here.

Remote communities should pay own rates: Senator Scullion

Senator Nigel Scullion has criticised the Federal Government for paying $44 million to fund services and utilities in Aboriginal communities.

Melanie Arnost ABC News 26 April 2013

Northern Territory Country Liberals Senator Nigel Scullion says Australian taxpayers should not have to pay for municipal services in remote communities.

Senator Scullion has criticised federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin for announcing that the Commonwealth will again fork out $44 million to fund local government services in Aboriginal communities.

He says it is unnecessary and he wants the communities to pay for their own services through rates.

"They deserve to have their rubbish removed, they deserve to have hot and cold running water, they deserve to have sewerage, all those sort of things that we take for granted," he said.

"But the only way to have them sustainably is to ensure that people pay rates.

"They should also pay the same as everybody else pays for them.

"There should be no difference in that at all."