Fatima Payman (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to show my support for this important bill before us today, the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023. This support begins with the acknowledgement of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri elders and knowledge-holders who have paved the way for those here now, those following proudly in their footsteps and those yet to come as custodians and owners of country. I also acknowledge Whadjuk country as my home base, where I live and care for and maintain continuing reciprocal relationships with all who share this land. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. I recognise the resilience and strength of all First Nations people of Australia and appreciate their knowledge-sharing and stories that influence the lives of many new Australians like me.

Time and time again, we hear the acknowledgement of country. We all understand that it is an integral part of our identity as Australians. We recognise the richness of over 60,000 years of history, culture and knowledge that have shaped us into the nation we are today. For too long the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been relegated to the fringes of our political discourse. Their rich culture, deep wisdom and unique perspectives have been overshadowed or dismissed, perpetuating a cycle of marginalisation and inequality. But it is time for us to break free from this cycle and forge a new path founded on mutual respect, understanding and unity.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of First Nations people. It embodies their collective aspirations for a fairer and more inclusive Australia, one that recognises their values and their unique place in our shared history. It calls for a constitutionally enshrined voice to parliament, a mechanism that will empower Indigenous communities to have a say in the laws and policies that affect them directly. As a senator and representative of the people, it is my duty to listen to and amplify the voices of those who have been unheard for far too long. The Uluru statement resonates with me on a personal level. It speaks to the core beliefs of justice, equality and the power of genuine reconciliation. It reminds us that our nation's true strength lies in embracing the diversity of our people, nurturing our collective heritage and learning from one another. It was Senator Patrick Dodson, the father of reconciliation, who said:

Australians must understand their own philosophies of equity and honour and mateship and live up to those. And that has to fly across the board. Fear should be the failure to create a united nation within our nation: one that has moved its goalposts a bit to accommodate the First Nations' aspirations.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a powerful call to action. It represents the voices of First Nations people across Australia and outlines three key messages: voice, truth and treaty. The first step is holding a referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution as an advisory body that will ensure Indigenous perspectives are heard and considered in decision-making processes that impact their lives and create real, practical change.

In my first speech I said I would embrace the slogan 'Nothing about us without us', and this should apply to First Nations people. The voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need to be heard when it comes to matters that impact their lives.

Senator Dodson has also reminded us that without Indigenous participation closing the gap is 'going to be doomed to fail'. Data released by the Productivity Commission yesterday indicated that only four out of 19 Closing the Gap targets are on track. Although there have been slight improvements, the lack of progress is frustrating. And I agree with Minister Burney's statements that 'The gap is not closing fast enough,' and 'The Voice will create structural change that will ensure that grassroots voices are heard in Canberra.' By establishing an advisory body that informs parliament on matters that directly affect First Nations communities, their wellbeing and their future will be taking a significant step towards reconciliation, healing the wounds of the past and building a stronger and more inclusive Australia.

Through the history of Australia since Federation, horrific violence against First Nations people has been disguised, covered up or ignored by governments. But there is unfinished business that the Uluru Statement from the Heart seeks to address. In 1967, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were counted. In 2017, they sought to be heard. And, in 2023, the Australian people will vote on a voice. Influential voices across parties, across borders and across the nation have worked tirelessly in advocating for this simple yet very powerful step. From Ken Wyatt to Nova Peris, from Professor Marcia Langton to Thomas Mayo, from the corporations to sporting codes, from grassroots organisations to neighbours on the same street, the invitation from Uluru was to the people of Australia. It will be a people's referendum, and, if it's successful, our nation will be stronger. If not now, then when?

This government is committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and this bill before the Senate is the first formal step to honour our commitment and is a mark of our respect for the First Nations people of Australia.

It's important that we talk about the Voice, what it will be and the principles it will follow, because it is for people to decide—one, the Voice will give recognition to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution; (2) the Voice will give independent advice to the parliament and government; (3) members of the Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; (4) the Voice will be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, gender balanced and include youth, and be chosen from each of the states, territories and Torres Strait Islands; (5) the Voice would consult with grassroots communities and regional entities; (6) it will also be accountable and transparent and work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures; (7) the Voice will not have a veto power.

Let us remember that recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the custodians of Australia is not an act of charity; it is an act of justice. We must acknowledge their enduring connection to the land, their vibrant cultures, their significant contributions and their ongoing struggles. By embracing the key messages of the Uluru Statement from the Heart we have an opportunity to create a future where all Australians can walk together in unity.

In order for us to truly understand the impact of the Voice campaign, let me share with you the story of Narelle Henry. Narelle, a proud Noongar yorga woman who devoted her life to advocating for Indigenous rights and recognition, has seen first hand the struggles faced by her people and the urgent need for change. Narelle's story represents the countless stories of resilience and determination within the Indigenous community. For Narelle, the Voice campaign means empowerment. It means giving a Voice to those who have been silenced for far too long. It means recognising the wisdom, knowledge and unique perspective that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to the table. The Voice campaign is about equality, respect and creating a future where every Australian—and I mean every Australian—has an equal opportunity to thrive.

In showing support, Narelle is not alone. Last month 120 cultural organisations signed a joint resolution in support of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and every day more and more grassroots organisations are standing with First Nations people and supporting the referendum. The joint resolution rightly describes the Voice as modest, practical and fair. The groups who have signed are from diverse backgrounds, including Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Greek, Vietnamese, Filipino, Sikh, Irish, Iranian, Sri Lankan, Italian, Indian and Chinese community groups. This demonstrates how unifying the Voice will be.

At some point, we were all immigrants to this country or another. As a 28-year-old immigrant born in Afghanistan but calling Australia home and having the privilege of serving as a senator for Western Australia, I couldn't be more grateful to First Nations people for sharing their boodja.

Migration is a deeply personal and transformative experience. It involves leaving behind one's own homeland, culture and often loved ones in pursuit of a better life and new opportunities. It requires courage, resilience and the ability to adapt to new surroundings. These aspects of migration mirror the experiences of First Nations people who have faced displacement, loss and the enduring struggle of recognition and justice. As immigrants, we have experienced first-hand the transformative power of being embraced by Australia and given the opportunity to contribute to its growth and prosperity. Let us extend that same embrace to First Nations people to ensure their voices are heard, their cultures are celebrated and their rightful place as custodians of this land is recognised in the Constitution.

This reminds me of a recent conversation I had with one of the prominent imams in Perth, Shaykh Salmaan Parkar, who declared his support by stating: 'I think enshrining the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in parliament is a powerful and necessary move. It unlocks empowerment, rectifies historical injustices, strengthens democracy, promotes cultural competence and unites our nation.'

I am so proud of the support from immigrant communities who use their diversity to promote harmony and inclusion, who use their collective power to advocate for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, and who understand that closing the gap is everyone's responsibility. Seeing grassroots communities come together to support the Voice gives me so much hope. I know Australians have room in their hearts for the Voice. I commend the bill to the Senate.