Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I ask those opposite to join me in having an open mind but importantly an open heart when it comes to these issues. My colleague the minister just spoke about how Australians who had supported this change would feel the day after a referendum if it's successful. I ask you to think about the counterfactual as well—how Indigenous Australians will feel if it's not successful, how Australians will feel and how Australia is perceived internationally, including by our economic partners in the region.

This is a major issue. I cannot do more than stand here, in this parliament, and offer a genuine engagement in order to achieve a positive outcome. I think there are people of good will in faith groups, in sporting organisations, in the business community and in civil society groups but, most importantly, among Indigenous Australians themselves who want this change and have waited a long time. And I say this: if we do not recognise Indigenous Australians in our Constitution this year, when will we? When will we?

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