MOTIONS › Discrimination Based on Work and Descent
Senator McGRATH (Queensland—Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) (15:45): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator McGRATH: The government is providing a number of initiatives in South Asia to combat discrimination based on work and descent, including caste and untouchability. Through our development program, we work with NGOs in India to tackle discrimination of scheduled castes and tribes. We are assisting in the development of traditional local governance structures to help communities build linkages with government to access funds and entitlements, with 4,773 beneficiaries. In Bangladesh, DFAT-funded activities have supported work with NGOs to develop livelihood opportunities for marginalised communities. We advocate on behalf of minority communities in Pakistan and work to ensure that marginalised groups have equal access to humanitarian assistance in Pakistan. Question agreed to.