Deep Dive — Investigation 005
Indigenous Affairs: Follow the Record
25,769 speeches. $2.8B in related donations. What changed?
25,769
Speeches
775
MPs Spoke
$2.8B
Related Donations
1998–2025
Time Span
Why It Matters
For over two decades, Australian MPs have debated indigenous affairs in Parliament. 25,769 speeches from 775 MPs tell a story of rhetoric that often outpaces legislative action.
25,769
Parliamentary speeches about indigenous affairs
Hansard parliamentary record
775
Distinct MPs who spoke on indigenous affairs
Hansard parliamentary record
$2.8B
In related industry donations to political parties
AEC annual returns
The parliamentary record on indigenous affairs reveals a pattern common across Australian politics: passionate debate in the chamber paired with limited legislative progress. Understanding this gap is the first step toward accountability.
Parliamentary Debate Over Time
Speeches about indigenous affairs peaked in 2021, driven by major policy debates of the era. The volume of parliamentary discussion has fluctuated significantly, often spiking around elections and key legislative moments.
Source: Hansard (parlinfo.aph.gov.au)
Key Moments
The turning points, broken promises, and moments of progress.
Early Indigenous Affairs Debates
Parliamentary discussion of indigenous affairs begins in earnest.
Ongoing debatePeak Parliamentary Interest
The year with the most speeches on indigenous affairs, reflecting heightened public concern.
Heightened scrutinyCurrent State
Where the parliamentary debate on indigenous affairs stands today.
Under reviewFollow the Dollar
A total of $2.8B in related donations flowed to political parties. The data reveals which industries have the deepest financial ties to the parties that shape policy on this issue.
Source: AEC annual returns. Amounts are declared donations only.
$1285.9M
Total related donations received
$248.1M
Total related donations received
$202.9M
Total related donations received
Mineralogy Pty Ltd
$862.8M300 donations over 2005-2006-2024-25
MINERALOGY PTY LTD
$858.5M915 donations over 2004-2005-2024-25
Electoral Commission of Queensland
$173.1M309 donations over 1998-1999-2024-25
Queensland Nickel Pty Ltd
$130.1M1,941 donations over 2010-2011-2014-15
BMA Coal Pty Ltd
$100.8M18 donations over 2008-2009-2013-14
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited - Hotel Loan
$96.0M39 donations over 2019-20-2019-20
How They Actually Vote
Voting record scores from TheyVoteForYou.org.au. Higher percentage means more supportive of policy action on this issue.
Source: TheyVoteForYou.org.au. Scores based on parliamentary division voting records.
In Their Own Words
Direct quotes from the parliamentary record — sourced from Hansard.
2018-02-13
“Today marks the 10th anniversary since the former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised unreservedly to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia. This was a watershed moment for our country. It was a step in the right direct”Spoke FOR action
2014-06-23
“I move: That this House notes:(1) notes that:(a) the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples (Congress) is the national representative body of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and(b) Congress: (i) was established with a view to”Spoke FOR action
2020-02-25
“I rise to reflect on the Prime Minister's Closing the gap statement, delivered in the House of Representatives. While we have cause to reflect on the achievement of some progress towards reducing inequality between Indigenous and Torres Strait Island”Spoke FOR action
2021-08-09
“Last week Australians learnt that, just a year after the Morrison government announced it was resetting the Closing the Gap targets, only three of those 17 targets are now on track. So I do welcome the government's announcement last week that it will”Spoke FOR action
2021-08-09
“[by video link] It's an honour to follow both the minister and the shadow minister and to be followed by my good friend the Member for Lingiari in this debate, all three of whom have done much to educate me and share their knowledge of Australia's In”Spoke FOR action
2014-05-26
“Today is National Sorry Day, a time for all Australians to reflect on the profound grief and trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly members of the stolen generations. The first National Sorry Day was held on”Spoke FOR action
Who Spoke Most?
The MPs who spoke most frequently on this issue. Speaking volume does not equal commitment to action.
Key Findings
What the Data Reveals
Automated analysis of speeches, votes, and donations — surfacing the patterns that matter.
What Can You Do?
This data is a tool for citizen engagement. Here is how you can act.
Contact Your MP
Tell your representative you care about indigenous affairs policy.
Find your MP→Check Donation Records
See who funds your local member.
AEC Transparency Register→Read the Hansard
Read what your MP actually said about indigenous affairs.
Parliamentary Hansard→Share This Investigation
Help others understand the gap between rhetoric and action.
Copy link→This investigation uses data from Hansard (parlinfo.aph.gov.au), the Australian Electoral Commission transparency register, and TheyVoteForYou.org.au. All speech data is sourced from the official parliamentary record. OPAX is an independent, non-partisan project.