Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Is it the Prime Minister's position that he doesn't know if he personally supports makarrata, treaty and truth-telling until he speaks with the Referendum Working Group?

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

Order! The member for Lyons will cease interjecting. The issue of interjecting whilst ministers are approaching the dispatch box, or during questions, is highly disorderly.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I note that, in the lead-up to the referendum that was held on Saturday—in which Australians, under our system, determined what their view was on the referendum question that was put for constitutional recognition of First Australians through a voice to parliament as the result of the invitation that was expressed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017—they said that the government was distracted. I pointed out in the lead-up to that that they'd asked every question in parliament about that and nothing about the cost of living.

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

Order! The member for Deakin will cease interjecting. The Leader of the Opposition?

Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I seek your ruling in relation to relevance. This is a very tight question. It asked the Prime Minister whether he personally knows what he thinks without having to consult others.

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

Order! Resume your seat. The question asked, really, for an expression of opinion, but it also mentioned the referendum and the referendum committee. Whilst the question is within order, it should really relate to government policy, not opinion, but I'm allowing the question and I'll allow the Prime Minister to continue.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Once again, what we see from the nature of this question is that it suggests that opinions should happen in a vacuum. What we campaigned for, I said very clearly, was to listen to First Australians about matters that affect them. If those opposite think that we should not listen to Indigenous Australians about matters that affect them at all, then they should say so. Of course, we know that that is the case. This is an absolute demonstration once again that the Leader of the Opposition has nothing positive to offer the country. He is all about saying no and opposing change. Yesterday, of course, we saw him change his position between Sunrise and the Today show. It's been on and off again. Of course, when it comes to the issue of Indigenous affairs, which is certainly relevant, we know that the Leader of the Opposition found the apology to stolen generations so objectionable that he walked out. He couldn't even stay seated there. Of all the 151 members in this House, there's only one person who walked out, and he sits in the Leader of the Opposition's chair.

Honourable members interjecting—

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

Order! The Prime Minister will return to the question. There is far too much noise. The Leader of the Opposition was heard in silence. I'm asking for all members to show restraint today. The Prime Minister is in continuation.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was asked about my opinion, and I'm giving my opinion of this bloke. That was the question. It was completely not within standing orders, but I'm happy to answer it. What I have said is that I accept the outcome of the referendum on Saturday, that I respect the fact that Indigenous people are taking the time to— (Time expired)