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

Most who are watching here today weren't watching the debate until 4.15 on Saturday morning. They were sensibly tucked up in bed. But during that debate we did get a glimpse of what some opponents of the Voice intend to say leading up to the referendum. We were asked who Australia's First Peoples were, even though it is set out in the very same sentence of the constitutional amendment. We were asked if these First Peoples really are disadvantaged, when the facts are before our eyes. We were asked to justify why matters relating to the Voice will be left to the parliament to decide, when the existing Constitution does the exact same thing. We were asked to explain the principles underpinning the Voice—to explain what we mean by terms like 'empowering', 'inclusive' and 'respectful'. I have to say I found it rather surprising that some senators needed those concepts explained. We were even asked around 4 am if the Voice would impact on Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop. At least we learnt the nature of the scare campaigns that we will see in the next few months. But, despite all of that, I'm confident that Australians won't be distracted and misled by that kind of dishonesty. I'm confident that Australians will respond with the honesty, generosity and belief in a fair go that we are known for around the world.

This idea of constitutional recognition through a voice began with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have asked of Australia. In 2017, after more than 10 years of consultation and conversation, hundreds of elders and leaders gathered at Uluru, and together they wrote the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It asked for Australia's First Peoples to be recognised in the Constitution through an advisory group called the Voice to Parliament to make sure that they were listened to on issues that affect them. I think it's worth remembering what the Uluru Statement from the Heart says. It says:

Proportionally, we are the most incarcerated people on the planet. We are not an innately criminal people. Our children are aliened from their families at unprecedented rates. This cannot be because we have no love for them. And our youth languish in detention in obscene numbers. They should be our hope for the future.

These dimensions of our crisis tell plainly the structural nature of our problem. This is the torment of our powerlessness.

We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.

We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.

…   …   …

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.

Now, in 2023, Australians will get the opportunity to vote on this generous invitation. I will work hard for it. The government and many non-government members will work hard for it. More importantly, many thousands of Australians will work hard for it. It's time to recognise our First Peoples. It's time to listen. It's time to say 'yes'.