Zaneta Mascarenhas (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There is a conversation being led in my community by Whadjuk Ballardong Noongar elder Emeritus Professor Simon Forrest on the importance of a constitutionally enshrined First Nations voice to parliament. Simon is a community leader, a friend and my neighbour. Simon wanted to meet with me, and I was secretly hoping that we could work together on the Uluru Statement from the Heart. I learned of Simon's commitment to the statement and was astounded to learn that he has been working tirelessly to raise awareness on it in our community. Between the election of the Albanese Labor government and now, I was astounded to learn that Simon has spoken to more than 25,000 people about constitutional recognition.

To take from the beautiful campaign video on the Uluru statement released yesterday, this is about having a conversation as a nation, walking side by side, to change this country for the better. But, as noted by Simon: 'The decision to change our Constitution is ultimately up to you, the non-Aboriginal population of Australia, to give us a voice.' This will be an important journey, and we have the opportunity to change lives for the better and be on the right side of history. This is an important step for Australia to become a more mature country, and I can't wait to see this happen.