Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Minister, how will an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice help close the gap in life outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians?

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

I thank Senator Green for her question. I thank the many senators across this place, and not only those on this side of the chamber, who have sought to engage with this important reform respectfully and in a nonpartisan way. We know that the gap in life expectancy between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians is unacceptably wide: 7.8 years for women and 8.6 years for men. None of us should accept this. I think all of us should recognise that decades of failed government policies have failed First Nations peoples and failed to close the gap.

This is precisely the point about the proposed Voice to Parliament. It came about because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people wanted a greater say in the matters that affect them. They want to be empowered to take control of their own lives, not have policies and laws dictated to them by politicians and bureaucrats in Canberra. The Voice is about enabling a better future that will improve the lives of Indigenous Australians on the ground, in communities in practical ways—better outcomes in health, education, housing—because we know from experience that you cannot create better policy and close the gap without listening to and hearing the voices of our First Nations people. The solutions to so many challenges are to be found in those communities, not in Canberra, and the Voice will make sure that those solutions are heard by policymakers here in the parliament.

I note the decision of some opposite to oppose the Voice before they've even seen the legislation. The argument seems to be, 'We need change, so let's keep doing more of the same.' Well, Australians know that does not make sense, and it is ultimately the Australian people, not the politicians, who will decide this referendum, and I believe Australians want to see a better future for all Australians. (Time expired)

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

Senator Green, a first supplementary?

Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

How will the Voice ensure that the views of First Nations peoples in remote and regional Australia are heard?

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

Thank you to Senator Green for her supplementary question. Let's remember this: the Uluru Statement from the Heart was the outcome of 12 regional dialogues, in places like Dubbo, Broome, Ross River and Cairns, with representatives from right across remote and regional Australia. So the arguments that some make, somewhat mischievously, that this is all about what people in the cities want aren't correct. The Uluru Statement from the Heart was a historic First Nations consensus on the way forward. As part of that, the Voice to the parliament—

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

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

Order! The interjections across the chamber are disorderly. I have the minister on her feet answering her question.

Honourable senators interjecting—

Order! Senator Payne, a point of order?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, in relation to language used by a senator. It's not acceptable to swear across the chamber.

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

Thank you. I did not hear that interjection. I am going to ask the senator to withdraw, but I'm also going to ask senators to listen with respect.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I withdraw.

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

Thank you. Minister.

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

The Uluru Statement from the Heart was a historic First Nations consensus on the way forward. As part of that, the Voice to the Parliament will make sure that voices in rural and regional communities are heard on policies and on laws. (Time expired)

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

Senator Green, a second supplementary?

Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, what are the next steps on the road to a referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?

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

Thank you, Senator Green. A bill to update the Referendum Machinery Act will shortly be introduced to the parliament. This will take into account advice from the Referendum Working Group, which has set out key principles for the Voice, which Senator Dodson has spoken about in this place. It provides independent advice to the parliament and the government. It is chosen by and representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is empowering; it is community led; it is inclusive; it is respectful; it is culturally informed and gender balanced, and includes youth; it is accountable and transparent; and it works alongside existing structures. Let us remember what was said in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. This is what was said to the nation:

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.

(Time expire d)