Federal Minister Nigel Scullion says he is taking a methodical approach to the Indigenous Affairs portfolio after Aboriginal lawyer Noel Pearson made claims that First Nations people have been dis-empowered and are being ignored.
Earlier this week Mr Pearson used the National Press Club platform to criticise the Coalition Government's approach to the way funding is being used to progress constitutional recognition and the unacceptable rate of Aboriginal incarceration.
During his address Mr Pearson conceded that there are good things happening in isolated areas but that the tectonic shifts that are needed are not being delivered.
Mr Scullion has since issued a statement to assure First Nations people that his advice is coming directly from communities and that he is taking a regional approach to reform.
Senator Scullion has welcomed Noel Pearson's contribution as "one of many strong voices in Indigenous Affairs".
Image: Cape York's Noel Pearson (courtesy of the ABC)
