Jana Stewart (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the past month, I've been travelling across my home state and talking to regional Victorians about the up-and-coming referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice into our Constitution. I grew up in Swan Hill, and I know firsthand the strength and generosity of our rural and regional communities. That's why I'm confident of a strong 'yes' vote right across our state.

Since having the conversations with local residents in Victoria's north-east, I've grown even more optimistic. In Yarrawonga, along the Murray River, I spoke with dozens of local residents about the Voice to Parliament. Regional Victorians are eager to have a conversation and hear about what the Voice will deliver for First Nations communities. A special shout-out to Alan Williams and Aunty Iris Chapman for your enthusiasm and commitment to recognition and listening. I was energised by the community's engagement and the amount of support I saw for a voice in Yarrawonga and across the Goulburn Valley.

Just last week, I met with Regional Cities Victoria, a group of municipalities representing the 10 largest regional cities in Victoria. I have met with community members across the Loddon, Mallee and Hume regions. I have spoken with people on the front doorsteps when knocking on doors in Doncaster East and Blackburn North. Victorians are keen to engage and learn more about a Voice to Parliament. Victorians want to build a better country. Victorians understand the importance of listening to local community, particularly in rural and regional areas, because nobody knows the needs of a community better than those who call it home. It is this understanding that is the heart of what the Voice is about. I know this is something that regional Victorians can get behind. When First Nations communities are listened to, we get better policy and better results to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians right across the country. We can ensure every Australian will be proud of the country we have built together. This is about love over hate, about progress over running on the spot, and about unity for our nation, not division.