Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Urquhart for the question. As senators would know, the Albanese government has committed to implementing the Uluru statement in full, and we will hold a referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in the Constitution in this term of parliament. This will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to recognise our First Nations people in our founding legal document, and to make Australia a better place for everybody. No matter what side of politics you're on, I think we can all agree that something needs to be done and that, as a country, we can do better.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice is about making a practical difference. It's about addressing poor outcomes from the long legacy of failed programs and broken policies by listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about what works. The government will this week convene the first formal meeting of the referendum working group. This group will provide advice to government on the big questions that need to be considered in the coming months: firstly, the timing to conduct a successful referendum; secondly refining the proposed constitutional amendment and question; and, thirdly, information on the Voice necessary for a successful referendum.

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