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

He sat here. And there wasn't a single vote on any amendment. There was nothing put forward in the House of Representatives and no divisions in the Senate either, just the process going forward.

Then, after all that's over, he comes up with the idea of a second referendum. If this is defeated, he will go to an election, and if he's ever Prime Minister he will hold a second referendum on a process that no-one wants. Indigenous people themselves determined that they wanted constitutional recognition with substance, not just with symbolism, and that's what the Voice is about.

David Axelrod described democracy as an ongoing battle between cynicism and hope. It's hard to imagine a more perfect demonstration than this referendum. In the cynicism corner is the opposition leader, Mr Dutton. The interjections across this chamber from the former—not once but twice—Deputy Prime Minister and others say all of what it's really about. Those opposite speak about it being all about politics and—as members of the Liberal Party have been quoted saying—all about causing damage to the government. There is no concern whatsoever for Indigenous Australians and closing the gap. There is no alternative plan.

They say they support constitutional recognition—both sides do—and they say that they will legislate for a voice.

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