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

As I said—I think five hours ago—what this proposal is about is recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and creating a voice to parliament. As I say, about five hours ago I pointed out that there's nothing in the language of the proposal that is about recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples because of their race. The recognition is about their position as the First Peoples of Australia. Senator Rennick, you might need to read your own party's policy because, last I heard, you all claimed to support recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. I actually thought you were okay with that.

Senator Nampijinpa Price, it would also appear you're out of step with your party leader, Mr Littleproud, who has expressed his disagreement with Mr Dutton introducing this idea of the Voice re-racialising Australia. I'm pleased to hear you say that it shouldn't be about race; unfortunately Mr Dutton doesn't seem to think that's correct. But the end point here is to listen to our First Peoples about matters directly affecting them, with the intention of improving a range of outcomes affecting Indigenous people in our country, which are far, far worse than for the rest of the community. That's what it's about.