Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

The Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum was established to inquire into the bill. The committee published 270 submissions and heard from 70 witnesses. The committee's report recommended that parliament pass the bill unamended. The committee's report highlights evidence from First Nations people about the practical difference the Voice would make to their communities. As I say, the bill is constitutionally sound, and that is backed up by the Solicitor-General's opinion, which I've just read into the Hansard. The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights also examined the bill. It concluded that the bill is compatible with human rights, including the right to equality and nondiscrimination.

This bill embodies the hard work by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve constitutional recognition and an effective representative body. Recognition through a voice is neither the beginning nor the end of this story, but it is an important new chapter. In addition to acknowledging the efforts of countless First Nations leaders, activists and communities that led to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the government sincerely thanks members of the referendum working group, the referendum engagement group and the constitutional expert group. Their counsel in developing this bill and guiding the conduct of the referendum has been both wise and invaluable, and provides a solid foundation on which to continue on the path towards recognition.

I would like to thank the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, for her commitment, her strength and her leadership. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our Senate colleagues the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, and Senator Patrick Dodson, the Special Envoy for Reconciliation and Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. They have worked tirelessly to progress this important constitutional amendment for the benefit of all Australians. The government also thanks members of the broader Australian community for their engagement throughout this process, particularly those who made contributions to the joint select committee.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart was issued to the people of Australia, not to the government. It's now time for the Australian people to decide whether to accept that offer when they vote in this referendum. I trust the Australian people to understand this is an opportunity for a better future not just of the First Peoples of Australia but for all Australians. The Uluru Statement from the Heart is set out in full in the explanatory memorandum for this bill. In the words of that historic statement:

In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.

It is now 2023. It is time to accept the generous invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It is time to listen.