MEMBERS STATEMENT - HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

I was six when, in 1967, the Australian public voted yes to the referendum question to count First Australians as Australian people in the census. I sat on the opposition benches when the member for Barton joined us here in this place, and I listened to her talk about that moment in her young life and what that meant to her—half insult, one would think. Since then, we've been joined on the government benches by the member for Lingiari, whose story has moved me deeply, and the member for Robertson, who speaks of the love at the core of First Nations culture. All three reach out to us, looking for generous spirit, and, on this side, I'm proud to say we bring them that generous spirit.

I am so proud to be a member of this government, building a fairer, more resilient, stronger Australia, an Australia that can look its history clearly in the eye, an Australia that is looking forward to being more reconciled. To my people at home, I say: bring on the 'yes' vote, bring on the momentum; let's get this work done.

On this side, I'm proud to say, we bring them that generous spirit.

I am so proud to be a member of this government building a fairer, more resilient, stronger Australia--an Australia that can look its history clearly in the eye, an Australia that is looking forward to being more reconciled. To my people at home I say: bring on the 'yes' vote. Bring on the momentum. Let's get this work done.