Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm pleased today to have the law and political students and teachers from Helena College in my electorate of Hasluck here to witness my commitment to voting 'yes' in the referendum to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in our Constitution this year, as one of many leaders of community organisations. It is incumbent upon us all to recognise and listen to our First Nations people and to provide them with a practical means to have a Voice to Parliament so we make laws that are in their interests and allow them to provide solutions as they see fit to their own problems.

We have witnessed many community groups already coming forward to demonstrate their support for voting 'yes' for a Voice, and I want to reflect specifically on the religious community groups who have stepped up. The Voice is supported by the St Vincent de Paul Society, together with the Salvation Army, Anglicare Australia, BaptistCare Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia and UnitingCare Australia. In February, a statement in support was signed by leaders of Australian faith communities, including the Anglican Church, the Catholic Bishops Conference, the National Imams Council, the Sangha Association, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the Hindu Council of Australia, the Council of Churches, the Sikh Council and the Uniting Church assembly.

I commend these groups for their solidarity and I ask all of you in this room today, especially those who are young, who are going to need to explain on the Monday following what the yes is about. (Time expired)