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

My question is to the Minister for Indigenous Australians. Moments before question time, the Australian and the Bunbury Herald reported that Professor Marcia Langton, a member of the referendum working group appointed by the minister, has accused 'no' voters of opposing the referendum because of 'base racism' or 'sheer stupidity'. Will the Minister for Indigenous Australians condemn Professor Langton's comments?

Hon. Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

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

Order! Members on my left and the minister for the environment will cease interjecting so I can hear from the Leader of the House on a point of order.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On page 554 of Practice, there's a prevention of, or a ruling as out of order, questions that ask for ministers to comment on 'statements by people outside the House'.

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

I'll hear from the Manager of Opposition Business.

Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Professor Marcia Langton is a member of the referendum working group appointed by the Minister for Indigenous Australians. A minister can be questioned on the following: 'matters for which he or she is responsible or officially connected', public affairs or administration. This appointment is the minister's appointment.

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

I'll deal with this matter. Practice says 'statements by people outside the House including other members, notably opposition members, and senators'. I'll allow the question and I'll just ask the minister to make sure she's being relevant.

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

I thank the member for her question. I want to say this very clearly. I call on everyone involved in this referendum to act respectfully and with care for their fellow Australians. We are a great country. We are enhanced by listening to a diversity of views and opinions, and, fundamentally, the Voice is all about the act of listening—listening to some of the most disadvantaged Australians, First Nations people, and listening to remote communities, so we can help close the gap and improve lives because we know listening leads to better results.

Of course, there is no room for racism of any kind in this country. We are a diverse country, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Whether your family arrived here 60,000 years ago or six years ago, we're all part of this country's story. I encourage all Australians to vote yes on 14 October because it is time to listen; it is time for recognition.