Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question again is to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, and I refer to her previous responses. Minister, what areas of public policy will not be within the scope of the Voice?

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

The question, I think, is repetitious; however, let me read out something that I think is very much worth reading to this parliament. I say to everyone that people of goodwill and of generosity are going to be campaigning in the referendum. This is something that was provided to me earlier today, and I'd like to read it into the Hansard.

Today is an historic day with the constitutional alteration passing the parliament.

Later this year, Australians will be able to vote at a referendum and complete our constitution.

A successful yes vote will recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the constitution and create a voice to help close the gap.

Despite being one of the most successful nations in the world, on too many measures, our Indigenous brothers and sisters are not sharing the same outcomes as other Australians:

By writing yes we can help change this.

The Voice is a practical change that will help local and regional communities across Australia.

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

The minister will pause. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition on a point of order.

Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The point of order is on relevance. With the greatest respect to the minister articulating the challenges this country faces in closing the gap, the question was straightforward. Millions of Australians would like you to answer it. Can the minister please answer the question? Mr Speaker, can you please bring the minister to order.

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

The minister will continue and make sure her answer is relevant to the question.

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

I believe my answer is very relevant.

By writing yes we can help change this.

The Voice is a practical change that will help local and regional communities across Australia.

It is a safe constitutional change and it will make a meaningful difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Australians.

Over the months ahead, I am looking forward to being part of a movement of Australians from all political backgrounds and playing a part in the campaign.

Thank you to the member for Berowra for providing me with your press release. It was very much appreciated.