MARK DREYFUS MP

I’ve been asked why I’ve stayed silent about the Israel-Gaza war. Just because I’m not talking doesn’t mean I don’t understand.

If the Liberal Party continues to oppose the Government's anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing Bill it is aiding the criminal networks who engage in despicable acts that hurt our whole community.

They are standing on the side of terrorists and child abusers.

That would be a shameful thing.

The over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system is an issue that all governments across the nation must confront. Whilst we have a long way to go in achieving our Closing the Gap targets, we’ve got to keep looking for different ways of improving community safety by keeping people, especially young people, out of the criminal justice system.

The Cocaine Inc. Podcast produced by News Corp Australia and The Times shows how criminal gangs are exploiting our financial system to hide their profits.

As attorney-general I have no higher priority than delivering on our commitment to restoring integrity and accountability to government. As the robodebt royal commission laid bare, there is a lot of work to be done.

On 12 December 2022, the murders of Queensland Police Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold and the brave neighbour who came to their aid Alan Dare shocked and saddened the nation.

In the wake of this shocking tragedy the Prime Minister and state and territory leaders united in endorsing a critical measure that will help protect our police from a repeat of Wieambilla – a National Firearms Register.

Last week, full agreement on the National Firearms Register was reached.

The murders of Constable Matthew Arnold, Constable Rachel McCrow and the courageous Alan Dare were one of the most shocking, calculated and violent attacks on Australian police officers in living memory.

We must never accept that police attending a property or a neighbour coming to offer help will be met with such violence, such brutality.

Families deserve a family law system that is simple, accessible and that puts children at the heart of every outcome.

After years of failed programs and policies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have told us that they are not seeking a purely symbolic form of constitutional recognition. Symbolic language will not do anything to turn things around – what is needed is a practical form of constitutional recognition.

Voting Yes is a simple but powerful act we can all do to close the gap, make a practical difference, and make this country better for all of us.