THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR
MEDIA RELEASE
The Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum has now presented its final report. The Committee has recommended that the Parliament passes the Constitution Alteration Bill without amendment.
The report is supported by a majority of Committee members, including two non-Government members, Senator Cox and Mr Andrew Gee.
The Committee held five public hearings, heard from 71 witnesses, accepted 270 submissions and received thousands of items of correspondence.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the process was rigorous and balanced.
“The Committee’s recommendations are based on a body of expert evidence, including advice from the Solicitor-General.
“The Committee heard from eminent constitutional experts, lawyers, jurists and former High Court justices. They were unequivocal in their assessment that the proposal was constitutionally sound.
“I expect our report will address any concerns people might have about the wording of the proposed constitutional amendment.
“There has been a lot of misinformation peddled about the Voice and constitutional amendment, and the naysayers and doomsayers have had their misinformation rebutted as a result of this inquiry.
“The inquiry also heard from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and community members, who spoke about the importance of constitutional recognition through a Voice.
“They also spoke about the profound impact that a Voice would have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider Australian community. This is a proposal that will unite our country,” he said.
Alternative proposals were considered and tested by the Committee. The Committee's view is no alternative proposals were necessary or justified, and in most cases, they would have watered down the intent of the proposal. The Committee recommends against amendments.
Mr Noel Pearson told the Committee, “These are beautiful words, the proposed provision will adorn the Constitution.” The Committee agrees.
“I would like to thank to Committee Chair Senator Nita Green, all members of the Committee, Secretariat staff, submitters and witnesses,” Mr Neumann said.
The report can be found online at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_Voice_Referendum/VoiceReferendum
