MARK DREYFUS MP

Administrative review of government decision-making is key to Australia’s system of government. We now have an opportunity to design a new administrative review body that will deliver, and build, on the promise of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal when it was first established almost fifty years ago.

It is the executive government that makes policies and develops proposed laws about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To improve the laws and policies that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to improve outcomes, the Voice must be able to make representations to the executive government.

If approved at the referendum, there will be four simple lines inserted into the Constitution.

Those lines will finally recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s first peoples in our founding legal document after more than 120 years of exclusion and omission.

Those lines will enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart was issued to the people of Australia, not to the Government. It is now time for the Australian people to decide whether to accept that offer when they vote in this referendum. I trust the Australian people to understand this is an opportunity for a better future, not just for the First Peoples of Australia, but for all Australians.

Our message to everyone attending today is simple. No matter who you are, who you love or where you come from – you should be valued, equal and celebrated.

Journalists should never face the prospect of being charged just for doing their jobs and there is agreement across the Parliament and indeed the community that improved protections are overdue.

Right from the start the Whitlam Government recognised that access to justice was critical to achieving its goal of a just society. Out of that belief came the commitment to Commonwealth Government involvement in Australia’s legal assistance sector – a commitment I share.

journey of recognition and reconciliation. I am confident that Australians will embrace this opportunity and I thank you for being part of this very important conversation.

The story of Raoul Wallenberg shows that even in the face of evil, one person can make a difference for all of humanity.

I rise today to join the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and all Members of this House to express my deepest condolences to the families of Constable Matthew Arnold, Constable Rachel McCrow and Mr Alan Dare.