THE HON LINDA BURNEY MP
MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
THE HON MARK DREYFUS KC MP
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
CABINET SECRETARY
Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice report
The Albanese Government welcomes the final report of the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice today.
The Committee has recommended the Parliament pass the Constitution Alteration Bill without amendment.
The Committee’s recommendation was based on evidence of significant support for the Voice from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities.
It also reflects the overwhelming consensus of constitutional and legal experts, who told the Committee that the amendment is constitutionally sound.
As part of this process the Government provided the Committee with an opinion from the Solicitor-General in which he confirmed the provision is not only compatible with Australia’s system of government, the addition of the Voice would enhance it.
The Government thanks the Joint Select Committee Chair and members for their work.
We look forward to the Bill progressing through Parliament and Australians having their say on constitutional recognition through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice later this year.
Friday, 12 May 2023
