Jenny Ware (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Indigenous Australians. Can the minister confirm that the Voice would have the power to advise the government on taxation policy?

Linda Burney (Barton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am not sure how many times I can say this. The provision makes it very clear that the Voice will advise on matters that effect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and matters that effect Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people differently. That's things like life expectancy, things like baby birth rates, things like self-harm. These are the things that we are referring to. I cannot be any clearer than that.

In terms of context, can I say that the referendum is about two things. It's about recognition and listening. It's about making a practical difference. We have seen 'no' campaign postings on social media that are clearly false, including an image of Bob Hawke saying that he did not support recognition. His widow sent me this: 'There are many joys but also many tears in politics'—that was Bob speaking—'Bob once said to me, "Yunupingu is a soul in torment. He grieves for his people." Bob grieved to. His greatest disappointment as a Prime Minister was that he could not deliver his promise to Yunupingu and the Indigenous people of Australia for recognition.'

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member or Hughes?

Jenny Ware (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My point of order goes to relevance. The question was very tight. We are now halfway through, and it was a question particularly on whether or not the Voice is going to be able to advise the government on matters of taxation policy.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister is being directly relevant. I will listen to the remainder of her answer. She will be heard in silence.

Linda Burney (Barton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have been extraordinarily relevant. I've answered the question, and, as Bob would have said, we should grab this with both hands. I suggest you do.