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

Can I thank the member opposite for her question. I want to, again, say this. Everyone in this debate should act respectfully and with care for one another. This referendum is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our Constitution. If we miss this moment, it's gone forever. Recognition should be an issue that is above politics. There are no second chances here.

The tone of the debate in this parliament matters. There must be a mutual respect here. We must be guided by love and by faith—love for our fellow Australians and faith in a better future.

I do not know how Australians will vote on 14 October; none of us do. What I do know for certain is this: we are the greatest country in the world, and we can be even greater if we embrace recognition—if we pay respect to and celebrate the 65,000 years of culture and tradition of First Nations people; if we listen, through a Voice, to some of the most disadvantaged communities in our country. We must listen.

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