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

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question, which relates to constitutional recognition and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. My previous answer went to what the amendments are to the Constitution. They are very clear: firstly, there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice; secondly, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the parliament and the executive government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and, finally, the parliament shall, subject to this Constitution—'subject to this Constitution'; listen to what I've got to say—have powers to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures. It's extraordinarily clear, and you have a role to play. I will ask the Attorney-General, who this should have been addressed to, to conclude the answer.

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