George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Senator Siewert. That's a very important question that you ask. As you know, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have now received the final report of the Referendum Council, which the government is carefully considering. We intend to work with the parliament towards shaping a proposal that is most likely to succeed at a referendum. The government is committed, in principle, to the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but we are aware—and I don't think this is controversial—that a bipartisan approach is crucial for success. Changing Australia's Constitution would allow us to acknowledge the integral place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the life of this nation. A successful referendum would be a significant and enduring act of reconciliation.

You asked me about the next steps. As I said, the report is currently being considered by both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Of course, there will be a range of views on the best way to proceed, but what is important now is for parliament to consider these matters and agree on a way forward. History teaches us that a bipartisan approach is needed for referendums to be successful. The government's priority will be to work with the opposition and the crossbench to identify that proposal which has the greatest chance of success. Both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have stated that any proposal for constitutional change must reflect the wishes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, be achievable and have near-universal support to progress to a referendum. In taking that view, they reflect the views offered some time ago by the expert panel.

The Referendum Council undertook a six-month consultation process, as you know, comprising first nations, regional dialogues, public submissions and digital consultations. (Time expired)