House debates Questions without Notice
Makarrata Commission
Sussan Ley Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women
2:38 pm
My question is to the Minister for Indigenous Australians. Can the minister confirm that, if the referendum is unsuccessful, all work on a makarrata commission and treaty would be ceased by the government?
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
The way that question was framed is in breach of standing order 100(d)(vii), on a hypothetical matter.
Paul Fletcher Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy
Clearly, it is a question about policy in the area that the minister squarely has responsibility for.
Milton Dick Speaker
I would be more comfortable if the deputy leader, moving forward, could rephrase it around funding allocations at the moment, particularly around that which the minister has responsibility for now, not potentially in the future.
Sussan Ley Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women
My question is to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, and I refer to the $5.8 million of funding within her portfolio budget allocation towards a makarrata commission. Can the minister confirm that, if the referendum is unsuccessful, all work on a makarrata commission and treaty will be ceased by the government?
Milton Dick Speaker
The question is in standing orders, barely, but I will allow the minister to respond.
Linda Burney Barton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians
2:40 pm
We intend to get a successful vote.