Alicia Payne (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Attorney-General. Why is it so important to include an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution? And why does it have to happen in this parliament?

Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Canberra for her question and acknowledge her longstanding interest in this matter. The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a generous offer from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of our country with a simple but powerful message about a pathway forward to a better future, a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—absolutely—but also a better future for all Australians. One of the things the Statement from the Heart calls for is the establishment of a First Nations Voice, and it asks for the voice to be included in the Constitution. It is a modest request. It is simply a request from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that they be consulted about decisions that affect them. This is not just a matter of fairness, respect or common decency—although it is that too; it is also a matter of common sense, because when a Commonwealth governments have consulted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about the policies that affect them, the results have been policies and programs that are more effective and more enduring.

In answering the specific question of why it is important for a First Nations Voice to be included in the Constitution, I echo the words of the Prime Minister at the Garma Festival on Saturday. Including a voice in the Constitution gives strength and status to the principles of respect and consultation. Including a voice in the Constitution means that a willingness to listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people won't depend on who is in government or who is the Prime Minister from time to time; the voice will endure regardless. Including a voice in the Constitution means that the voice cannot be silenced.

As a former Chief Justice of the High Court Robert French said in the Australian Financial Review this morning, the inclusion of the Voice in the Constitution would be 'itself an act of recognition' but one that 'has the practical benefit of providing a means by which parliament and the executive government can be informed about the effects of proposed or existing laws, policies and practices in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples'.

On the question of why it has to happen in this term of parliament, I again echo the words of the Prime Minister: 'If not now, when?' It has been already five years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart and we should not wait another five.

Bob Katter (Kennedy, Katter's Australian Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As the minister in Queensland, which is the state with the biggest population of First Australians, and you'll hear me often identify as First Australian—whether I am or not is irrelevant, really—

Government members interjecting—

No, it's a very important point I make. It is a very important, serious point I make.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Member for Kennedy, are you asking a question?

Bob Katter (Kennedy, Katter's Australian Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm sorry, I was commenting—point of order—on the last question. If I am out of order then I will sit down, Mr Speaker.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There is no point of order. Resume your seat, member for Kennedy. I give the call to the member for Ryan.