Louise Pratt (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I mean—through you, Acting Deputy President—that, collectively, the parliament might decide how it might grant powers to the Voice in order to present its concerns to the parliament and to government. We've got to work out what kinds of audit or other powers we might give it in order that it might be able to collect evidence to present to this place.

I truly believe that those opposite and Senator Thorpe are more interested in playing politics than in finding solutions. I see nothing but political attacks being mounted, rather than the creativity, support or community engagement that would see us build up organisations, support their accountability, support their connection with community and support outcomes for First Nations people through self-determination through Indigenous controlled organisations.

Aboriginal organisations are already subjected to high levels of scrutiny and accountability. In April this year the Central Land Council's elected deputy chair, Warren Williams, said the CLC was tired of politicians:

… playing politics with the grass roots organisations our old people have built to advocate for our rights and interests.

We have seen calls from these organisations, who are tired, frankly, of being attacked by members of this place in order to serve a political agenda. I understand there are legitimate or illegitimate grievances and debates that get into the accountability within organisations, but the way that you put forward as a path to resolution and engagement is nothing but a pathway to disaster and grief for organisations already under attack from the opposition. I personally support these remarks of Warren Williams:

We have many good men and women who are trying hard to make our communities better places, who are desperate to be heard …

He went on to say:

… Senator Price's divisive approach isn't helping.

For me, on this side, I want to see a priority on addressing these issues in community engagement through constitutional recognition through a voice. I want to see recognition so that we can see better outcomes in housing, in listening and in better results. I want to see the Uluru Statement from the Heart implemented.