Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The government believes that the passage of an act of recognition would be an important step on the path towards constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians. We intend to introduce an act before the end of the year. It will not bind any future parliaments and it will not trigger a referendum. It will be worded as closely as possible to the recommendations of the expert panel which developed options for constitutional change. A sunset clause within the act will give a future parliament the opportunity to re-assess the timing of any referendum and continue to work towards constitutional change.

The act will indicate parliament's commitment to reconciliation and give senators the opportunity to show their personal support for this important issue. The Gillard government has worked hard towards reconciliation with Indigenous Australians and the passage of such an act will be an important step towards a successful referendum which will give Indigenous Australians their rightful place in our nation's Constitution.