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

Now I understand. Obviously the Voice—should it be successful at the referendum—will have the capacity to proactively make representations to the parliament and the executive government. Equally the parliament and the executive government would have the ability to consult and seek advice from the Voice. But there is no obligation under proposed section 129 for the parliament or the executive to consult the Voice before taking action or to follow its representations. The Voice doesn't need to wait for an invitation to make a representation. As I say, it can be proactive, but both the parliament and the executive government may seek advice and may seek representations from the Voice, but they're not under any obligation to do so.