Collier defends bush meeting absence

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Peter Collier has defended his absence from last month’s Yule River Meeting because of commitments in his education portfolio.

The question of non-attendance was raised by Greens Member for Mining and Pastoral Robin Chapple, to which Mr Collier said he understood traditional owners were disappointed.

“I made it quite clear to the traditional owners that I had to go to Adelaide for the ministerial council meeting,” he said.

“We are talking about a new national partnership for education. Every other education minister was there; I had to go.

“It is not like I said I could not go because I had to wash the cat or something; I could not go for some legitimate reasons.”

Mr Collier said his door was always open if traditional owners wanted to meet with him.

A resolution was made and presented to Mr Collier requesting his attendance after last years’ meet.