Linda Burney (Barton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Higgins for her question and recognise her passion for this issue. In the second half of this year, a referendum will be held on constitutional recognition. The 2023 referendum will be about two things: recognition and consultation—recognition of the 65,000 years of connection to country, and consultation through the Voice, because listening to communities means better policies and better outcomes. The justice reinvestment program in Bourke, New South Wales, is a good example. It's making a real difference in people's lives. Over time, the town has reduced family violence, reduced juvenile offences and reoffending and increased year 12 retention rates.

The Referendum Working Group met last week. I am pleased that the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Berowra attended the working group meeting. The working group is guiding the government on the question, the constitutional amendments and the design principles of the Voice. Their recommendations will be given to government by the end of February, paving the way for a constitution alteration bill to be introduced in the next month or two. This will not be a third chamber, it will not have a veto power and it will not have a permanent seat at the National Cabinet. However, last week every state and territory leader signed a statement of intent to support recognition through the Voice. The National Cabinet is backing the Voice, and, as Premier Perrottet said, it is a matter of principle.

One man who knows the truth is Galarrwuy Yunupingu, a Gumatj leader from north-east Arnhem Land, an elder and a very significant person in this country—in fact, an Australian of the Year. If Galarrwuy were here, he would remind us that the future is our responsibility. All who are here today will be asked for their leadership so that, in the words of Galarrwuy, someday we can all say: 'This is our country. It is a country we are all proud of. We now rejoice and celebrate with our Indigenous brothers and sisters.'

In closing, can I say: I want everyone in this chamber to think how they will feel the Sunday morning after a successful referendum. We will be proud, and we will stand true and tall as Australians.

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