I think there are four broad issues for Aboriginal people in Parkes - healthcare, education, jobs and education.

I'm working with Stephen Jones to discuss workforce training for health professionals in the electorate of Parkes.

I'm particularly concerned that, in a number of areas of health, we could supply a big shiny machine, sure... but if no one is trained to use it, it doesn't help anyone.

Secondly, women and men want their babies born on country. They've been doing that for thousands of years, and don't care about the State Government's desire to centralise medicine.

With education, there are some people in our community, some black some not, who need a different approach to learning.

They're not stupid, though they've often been told they are, but they need a different kind of learning.

Aboriginal people have, for thousands of years, learned by walking their country.  I will work with the Department of Education to develop some new options for learning.

Jobs need to be available in Aboriginal communities. Work must be integrated into life so that young children looking up can see that work gives people a sense of pride and an economic foundation.

Identity is the really hard one, it has been an issue evermore. Maintaining a sense of place and a sense of home and a sense of ancestry.

MATT PARMETER (The Greens)

This is a hugely complex topic, needing much more than one newspaper column.

The social disadvantage and entrenched inequality facing our first Australians are innumerable and need to be addressed.

The Greens believe that education and training opportunities, employment, access to community based support systems and services and an understanding justice system are key.

Health is fundamental to the wellbeing and future of people who have a life expectancy about 10 years less than non-Indigenous Australians and where there is a mortality rate among Indigenous children that is twice that of other Australians.

In order to change this The Greens will invest in key health programs and work to make the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan succeed.

We have a plan to support community controlled health services and fund effective programs among Indigenous peoples.

Given recent tragic suicides by young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we believe it is also important to build resilience in young people through cultural education programs and will support on-country community-led programs.

Meaningful work to tackle high rates of unemployment is one very important part of the jigsaw puzzle. We will advocate for the specific needs of our First Australians, and will identify and commit to the funding required to deliver meaningful results.

MARK COULTON (The Nationals)

Sometimes we forget to acknowledge that for a significant number of Indigenous Australians, life is on track.

For those caught in the socio-economic cycle of unemployment and social issues, we need to continue to engage them in the wider community.

A key part of this is education.  Two organisations that I believe are making a real difference in helping Indigenous youth to make good life choices are the Clontarf Foundation and Merriman Shearing Shed.  

I am very pleased that the Coalition Government continues to support the work of both of these organisations in the Parkes electorate and should I be re-elected, I will continue to advocate strongly for continued support for both.

In addition, the Indigenous Advancement Strategy continues to provide funding for many other Indigenous organisations located throughout the Parkes electorate.

I also recognise the healing process and support that comes from the Reconciliation Program, Sorry Day, NAIDOC Week and other recognition of Aboriginal culture.