Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to speak on the interim report of the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and, in doing so, recognise that this is just the start of a very important process. As a member of this committee over the last number of months, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the member for Hasluck, Mr Ken Wyatt, in the other place, and also Senator Peris in this place. The committee has had to work its way through a huge amount of information, including the comprehensive work of the expert panel. Even that report had an extraordinary diversity of views and opinions.

There are a number of recommendations on the table and now is the start of a journey to go out and consult with the wider public about what they see as being the most appropriate way to take this issue forward. There is no doubt that any change to the Constitution is an extremely important thing to undertake. The Constitution belongs to all Australians and all Australians should be comfortable with the wording of the Constitution, and any proposals that may go before this place or are part of a referendum that seeks to change the Constitution.

In the short time that I have had the opportunity to participate in this committee there has been a diversity of views. In fact, there is a diversity of people making comment on this. We have had constitutional lawyers, none of whom have yet to land on where this needs to go. Indigenous communities across Australia and the Torres Strait obviously have wide-ranging views and even within political parties there is a huge divergence of views as to how we should go about making the necessary changes for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

There is a huge level of goodwill and belief that we do need to take this step towards recognition. Through the consultation process that has taken place to date, it has been very interesting to see the level of buy-in from people and the level of support for the process once they become aware of exactly what is involved in the changes that we seek to make. It has been a huge pleasure to have been able to participate in this committee over the previous months. I look forward to the journey that the committee takes and I wish the committee well in achieving the outcome in the best interests of all Australians. I seek leave to continue my remarks.

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