Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Gallagher. Can the minister outline the latest details in the government's plan to deliver an Indigenous voice to parliament?

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

I thank Senator Urquhart for the question. As senators would know, the Albanese government has committed to implementing the Uluru statement in full, and we will hold a referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in the Constitution in this term of parliament. This will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to recognise our First Nations people in our founding legal document, and to make Australia a better place for everybody. No matter what side of politics you're on, I think we can all agree that something needs to be done and that, as a country, we can do better.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice is about making a practical difference. It's about addressing poor outcomes from the long legacy of failed programs and broken policies by listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about what works. The government will this week convene the first formal meeting of the referendum working group. This group will provide advice to government on the big questions that need to be considered in the coming months: firstly, the timing to conduct a successful referendum; secondly refining the proposed constitutional amendment and question; and, thirdly, information on the Voice necessary for a successful referendum.

Oppositio n senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Farrell?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We're trying to listen to the issue of—

Opposition senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! I ask all senators to listen to the response from Minister Gallagher in silence, and not—

Senator Nampijinpa Price, you, in particular, have been disorderly throughout her response. Please continue, Senator Gallagher.

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

The group's work will be complemented by the establishment of a second group, the referendum engagement group, that will be tasked to build community understanding and awareness for the referendum. The groups comprise a broad cross-section of representatives from First Nations communities across Australia, and they will ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views are front and centre in the decision-making leading up to the referendum.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Urquhart, first supplementary question.

Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister outline to the Senate how the Albanese Labor government's commitment to delivering a voice to parliament will make a difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians?

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

I'm very happy to answer that question. A voice to parliament will be about hearing from the grassroots—from the community—about what can be done better. It's a direct line to parliament to make a practical difference in areas like housing, keeping children in schools, education, health, infrastructure and community safety. It's about local communities finding local solutions to local problems, and the idea of the Voice came from those communities. It's about ensuring First Nations Australians are heard—that they're heard on policies, that they're heard on laws, that they're heard on what works. I would encourage everybody in this chamber to get involved in the discussion, even if they disagree or have a difference of opinion, and work together to bring about this nation-building change.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Urquhart, a second supplementary?

Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister outline to the Senate why the Voice to Parliament is important for all Australians?

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

I thank Senator Urquhart for the question. It's about respect, really, isn't it? It's about listening to First Nations people. It's about ensuring that the longest continuous living culture in the world is reflected in our country's constitution, our founding document. Everyone wants to work together to make Australia a better place. That's why all of us have a role to play in this debate. It is about talking to friends. It is about listening to what is being proposed, even if you have a different view, but being part of the discussion. It's not a radical proposal; it's a fair and practical change. I urge everybody to get involved in the discussion. (Time expired)

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that further questions be placed on notice.