JOHN-PAUL JANKE, HOST: Minister, Parliament is sitting this week, given the result on the weekend what are your priorities for First Australians?
LINDA BURNEY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: Well, obviously the result on the weekend was very painful for First Australians, very painful for a lot of people. There needs to be a healing process in some circumstances. But for me, John-Paul, the priorities are the issues that are raised with me, most often when I visit communities, health, housing, education and employment.
JOHN-PAUL JANKE: Your government felt it important to go to a referendum on the Voice. How will now, the government's processes change for the better to hear the frank and fearless advice from our First Nations communities?
LINDA BURNEY: The decision to proceed with the referendum was absolutely the right decision. Remembering that the invitation of the Uluru Statement came from First Nations people and there was a moral responsibility. We felt very strongly about responding to that invitation. And despite the disappointment on the weekend, we remain in the belief that was absolutely the right thing to do. You would know like many people watching, that there is a week of mourning for First Nations people where they feel that there needs to be some time to reflect, to understand what this means. I will be undertaking a very important consultation process, a listening process with First Nations people about next steps. But the government is committed more than ever, with the determination that is fierce to particularly the disadvantage being experienced by our people, and the closing that gap targets.
JOHN-PAUL JANKE: The results on the weekend saw some quite high Yes percentages, where we have lots of Indigenous population and voters across the Top End of the Northern Territory, the Pilbara, Cape York, the Torres Strait all came out in majority of a yes vote. What do you say to those communities who might be feeling let down by the majority of Australians?
LINDA BURNEY: Those communities that you've referenced, absolutely magnificent outcomes, particularly in remote communities. And what it says is a couple of things. It says that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people believed in this proposition and voted accordingly. And those communities should be proud of what they've done. And you know, in something like the outcome on the weekend, there are some magnificent silver linings. I think we're going to see a generation of young Indigenous people emerge as leaders with this their first campaign under their belt, and we've got to remember that over 5 million Australians said yes to recognition, said yes to listening and said yes to better outcomes. And we hold on to that. And the other really important thing is for people that voted no, we respect your decision. We respect the decision of the Australian people. But one thing is clear, is that everyone wants to see better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and that's what we'll deliver.
JOHN-PAUL JANKE: You mentioned that some Aboriginal people are having a week of mourning, but what's your message to those out there who are feeling a bit broken, down or deflated over the weekend result?
LINDA BURNEY: The weekend’s result for a lot of people, a lot of people was devastating. And there are emotions from despondent, through to furious and everything in between. But what I say, John-Paul to Aboriginal people, is that you know, we have been around for 65,000 years, and that's not going to change. There have been other disappointments. But you get up, you dust yourself off and you get on with it. But most importantly, be proud of who you are. Be strong in your identity and understand that, as a government, we stand absolutely with you and we want to make sure that out of this process, we do see better outcomes, and we will take time to listen to you.
JOHN-PAUL JANKE: Do you think that the referendum discussions highlighted that there's still really a general lack of awareness of First Nations issues in that wider population? Do you think that there should be a true telling process that happens in this country before we're able to move on together?
LINDA BURNEY: What we want to do is talk to people to see what the next steps should be. I know that there are a number of states and territories that are on the truth telling journey and that's very important. But for the Labor Party and for the government in this country, we want to get the views from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about where we go next.
JOHN-PAUL JANKE: Minister, it's been a long process to the date on the weekend. What's been the toll for you personally? And are you considering your future as a result of the weekend?
LINDA BURNEY: The toll of course is there. But the toll is there for a lot of people. Remembering that this has been a life work of some people, but I can tell you this, that in the midst of the devastating outcome on the weekend, I am more determined than ever to pursue the issues that have been made clear - things like reforming the community development program, for example, justice reinvestment. Taking on board what's happened, but the fire of determination is well and truly there.
JOHN-PAUL JANKE: Minister thank you very much for joining us.
LINDA BURNEY: Thank you.