Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

GALLAGHER (—) (): I understand this matter has been raised in the House today as well. I can confirm—and I think the Attorney-General has made this clear—that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice will be able to make representations on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This means matters specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and matters which affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples differently. We know what those issues are. I think it is unfortunate but not unexpected that we have a continuing campaign here which essentially seeks to misrepresent a modest request from Australia's First Peoples through the Uluru Statement from the Heart about a voice to parliament enshrined in the Constitution. We know what matters affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples differently. There are gaps in education, gaps in employment, gaps in opportunity, gaps in health and gaps in life expectancy.