Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Siewert, move:

That the Senate:

(a) notes that:

  (i) 23 August 2018 commemorates 52 years since the Wave Hill 'walk-off' and the birth of Aboriginal land rights, and

  (ii) the 'walk-off' sparked support and a series of demonstrations for Aboriginal rights across Australia, culminating in the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976;

(b) recognises the continued legacy of these courageous and visionary men and women of the 1966 'walk-off'; and

(c) acknowledges that sovereignty was never ceded, and calls on the Federal Government to implement the Voice and begin the truth, justice and healing process as articulated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government does not support this motion, as it pre-empts the outcome of the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The government has been clear that a constitutionally enshrined voice to parliament is something that should not and would not be supported by the Australian people.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 1002 be agreed to.