Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Thorpe for her question. I absolutely reject the proposition that the purpose of these groups is to bully Indigenous voters one way or another. I don't think I can be clearer than this, Senator Thorpe. The government proposes to give Indigenous Australians a voice to parliament. We took that proposition to the last election. That was endorsed by the Australian people. We are in the process of working out all of the constitutional arrangements that would be required to implement that voice to parliament. It's appropriate that those individuals who are engaged in that process and who are providing the advice and support to the government be paid in those circumstances.