Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I make this point: I am hopeful that we can have a respectful debate going forward. Clause (iii) there makes it very clear that there is no right of veto, that this parliament will be prime. The principles that are being put forward as well are:

The Voice will give independent advice to the Parliament and Government

The Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities—

not appointed by the government.

The Voice will be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, gender balanced and include youth

The Voice will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful and culturally informed

The Voice will be accountable and transparent

The Voice will work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures

The Voice will not have a program delivery function

The Voice will not have a veto power

The fact is that the legislation, if the referendum is successful, will come before this parliament. This parliament will determine the structure, the composition, the powers and the procedures going forward. I hope that there can be a respectful debate on this issue. I hope that people avoid misinformation. This needs to be above politics as usual.

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