Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Payman for her question. I thank her for her genuine interest in closing the gap and for her determination to build a better future for all Australians. On 14 October all of us—every Australian—will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring our country together and to change it for the better, to vote for recognition and listening so we get better results.

Constitutional recognition through a Voice is the form of practical reconciliation that Indigenous Australians requested as part of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It is supported by an overwhelming majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Voice will offer ideas and advice so governments can make better decisions to address the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is an advisory committee made up of representatives from across the country. It won't have the power to make or veto government's decisions. What it will do is improve outcomes in Indigenous health, housing, education and employment.

Australians from all walks of life are coming together, united in their support for a Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution. Meanwhile, we have the 'no' campaign, who've put forward many varying reasons for their opposition in their campaign. But what is noteworthy is that Mr Dutton has in fact promised not one but two referendums—another referendum on constitutional recognition—although I note that his shadow minister for Indigenous affairs has publicly stated that she does not support it. So, more politics, more political games, because Mr Dutton didn't do something when he had the chance. And now that someone else is to trying to do something, he wants to tear it down. (Time expired)