House debates Questions without Notice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

Monday, 27 March 2023 House of Representatives

Julian Leeser

Julian Leeser Berowra, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians

3:12 pm

My question is to the Minister for Indigenous Australians. The proposed Voice to parliament will have a constitutional function of making representations to the executive government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Reserve Bank of Australia is part of the executive government and interest rates affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as they do all Australians. Will the Reserve Bank need to do consult with the Voice before making a decision on interest rates?

Government membe rs interjecting—

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

Members on my right will cease interjecting. The minister will resume her seat for a moment. The member for Bruce will cease interjecting immediately. I want to hear the question again. The member will state his question in silence. If anyone interjects they will be leaving the chamber immediately.

Julian Leeser

Julian Leeser Berowra, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians

3:13 pm

My question as to the Minister for Indigenous Australians. The proposed Voice to parliament will have a constitutional function of making representations to the executive government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Minister, the Reserve Bank of Australia is part of the executive government and interest rates affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as they do all Australians. Will the Reserve Bank need to consult with the Voice before making a decision on interest rates?

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

If the member for Wannon and the minister for environment continue to interject they will be warned.

The member for Wannon is warned. When I say I am warning you if you are going to interject and you keep interjecting you will be warned. I think it is pretty straightforward.

Linda Burney

Linda Burney Barton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians

3:14 pm

The last time I looked the Reserve Bank of Australia was independent.

Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this

Hon. Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

Order! The house will come to order.