PM says government is supporting Voice; Treaty will have to wait till later
Anthony Albanese has ruled out the Commonwealth negotiating a treaty in this term of parliament if the Indigenous voice referendum succeeds.
In his victory speech after winning last yearās federal election, the prime minister committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.
The statement includes enshrining an advisory body which would be called the āvoiceā in the constitution, a Makarrata commission for the process of āagreement-makingā between governments and Indigenous people and truth-telling.
It also calls for a voice first, followed by treaty and then truth.
Asked if he would move to draw up a treaty this term should the voice pass, Mr Albanese said there were states and territories already involved in that process.
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āNo ā¦ because thatās occurring with the states,ā he told ABC radio on Wednesday.
Asked if the Commonwealth has a role in negotiating a treaty or if he supported one, the prime minister would not be drawn.
āWhat the Commonwealth has a role in is the referendum which will put to the Australian people in the last quarter of this year, that is what is happening,ā he said.
āNegotiations are occurring in Victoria, in Queensland and in the Northern Territory progress occurs.ā
A vote proposing constitutional recognition of Indigenous people and enshrining a voice will be held between October and December this year.
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