Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (NT, Country Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Chair. I will not accept paternalistic assertions that I, as an Indigenous member of parliament, or, indeed, my colleagues are acting with any self-interest. We are purely here to represent the concerns of our constituents, which includes members of remote communities whose first language is not English. It is highly paternalistic to suggest that all Indigenous Australians across this country think the same and want this Voice to Parliament. I'm here to reflect the views of those Indigenous Australians who do not support this Voice to Parliament and who require questions to be answered about one of the greatest changes to our Constitution, which will impact all Australians. This is what it is about. It's about the impact on all Australians and the potential to further marginalise our most marginalised Indigenous Australians.

This constitutional change isn't about appeasing white guilt. It's supposed to be about improving the lives of marginalised Indigenous Australians. There are some that I would suggest who [Warlpiri language not transcribed], which in Warlpiri translates to 'speak very little they do not', and should probably instead [Warlpiri language not transcribed]—listen! Listen to those of us who are elected Indigenous voices to this parliament who have a differing view, because, believe it or not, we don't all think the same. We are individuals in our own right, and this proposal does not recognise that.

Now, I go back to the line of questioning that we were wanting to understand from the government. I understand, and, of course, Senator McCarthy understands, that, in order to get to remote communities, we have to, in some cases, use a charter to fly there. This proposal is about representatives of language groups of Indigenous Australians, supposedly from those who come from remote communities.

Government senators interjecting—

It's funny, isn't it! It's hilarious!

Honourable senators interjecting—

I am glad you find this funny.