The prime minister's comments that indigenous people in remote communities have made a lifestyle choice has not set back reconciliation efforts, the foreign minister says.
Tony Abbott drew the ire of some Australians last week when he said taxpayers should not be subsidising the "lifestyle choices" of indigenous people living in remote communities.
On Saturday, the prime minister still refused to concede that he had made a poor choice of words.
On Sunday Julie Bishop went in to bat for Mr Abbott, saying she does not think his comments have harmed reconciliation efforts.
"I don't believe so at all," she told reporters in Perth.
Ms Bishop added that the WA government had the responsibility of providing services to communities in the state and the federal government should not be involved in the delivery of basic services.
"The prime minister is deeply concerned about Aboriginal matters. He has shown his deep passion and interest for many years," she said.
"He has travelled to remote communities, he's worked in indigenous communities, he is a strong friend and supporter of Aboriginal people in this country."
