LISA MILLAR, HOST: Let's go to federal politics and the last parliamentary sitting fortnight before the winter break. Today begins with the Government very keen to ensure the path of its legislation for the Indigenous Voice referendum. Now, of course, the Government doesn't have a majority in the Senate, but the opposition has indicated that it will support it to get it through. But it's still going to have to convince Australians to vote yes, because there's a new poll suggesting that support has slipped below a majority. Well, the Assistant Minister for indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, joins us from Parliament house. Good morning to you. Welcome to News Breakfast.
SENATOR MCCARTHY: Good morning, Lisa.
LISA MILLAR, HOST This isn't just one poll, it's a bit of a trend now. So, when you look at these numbers what's going through your mind?
SENATOR McCARTHY: Well, what's going through my mind is where I've come from this weekend, Lisa, and that's at Barunga, where we've seen land councils who represent over 50,000 traditional owners across the Northern Territory and of course, land councils from Cape York and from the Kimberley Land Council, who also came out supporting The Voice. So, I'm feeling pretty excited, actually, Lisa, of what I'm seeing and hearing and I'm conscious that there's still a way to go and the job is for the rest of us to keep going. There's still a fair way ahead of us before we get to the referendum.
LISA MILLAR, HOST: Why do you think fewer people are indicating that they would vote yes?
SENATOR McCARTHY: Well, it's clear that the commentary by the opposition in terms of putting their stance is having an impact, there is no doubt about that. But I would still reach out to even those in opposition and to look deeply into this simple request by First Nations people to advise the Parliament and to be recognised as First Nations people in the Australian Constitution. It's really quite simple, Lisa, and we've been saying that and we'll continue to keep saying that.
LISA MILLAR, HOST: What did you think of Noel Pearson's comments where he felt that the yes campaign was being snookered, that there was time to refocus the campaign, to have it talking more about the recognition of Indigenous Australians. Does he have a point? Does the campaign lack clarity?
SENATOR McCARTHY: I'd say to Australians, this, the journey has been a marathon for so many of our leaders. People like Noel Pearson, who've been around for decades on this journey, people like Pat Dodson, Marcia Langton. This has not just happened this year. For those Australians who are getting accustomed to this, it's a journey, it's a marathon. And I recognise and understand the deep desire by our leaders who would like to see this go through. And I say to them, keep the faith. We will get there. I'm absolutely confident that once this gets through the Parliament and out to the Australian people, the Australian people will truly see what this is about.
LISA MILLAR, HOST: So, do you think that that's been the problem? The debate that we've seen, the fact that it's not yet something that is legislation that you can say, well, here it is and here is the date. Has that been the problem?
SENATOR McCARTHY: Well I am conscious that here on Capital Hill people do like to say all sorts things, and perhaps without really any care or responsibility. But when you're on the ground out there, as I've been with First Nations people and see the deep hurt that they've experienced for decades over policies that should never have occurred, and if they feel that they can have a say that this is something that's important to them, then I say to politicians here, this may not matter to you, but it matters to First Nations people on the ground. And I say to my senators and the colleagues, my colleagues, all of them on every side. Keep this debate in the next fortnight enormously respectful. We can do this as a country in a very dignified, respectable way, and so it should be in the debate.
LISA MILLAR, HOST: Do you think the yes campaign needs to change at all?
SENATOR McCARTHY: Well, there's always ways of doing things better, Lisa. We haven't been in a referendum, as First Nations people said, certainly since 1967. So, clearly there's a lot of learning along the way, and I'm, I'm incredibly confident that those members of the yes campaign are looking at everything, every angle, and are leaving no stone unturned as to how they can reach out to the hearts of all Australians and urge them to see the simplicity of this request.
LISA MILLAR, HOST: Senator McCarthy, there is an indication, certainly, that the opposition is going to really target your colleague, Katy Gallagher her over the next couple of weeks. Do you believe that she still has questions to answer in regards to the Brittany Higgins situation?
SENATOR McCARTHY: Well, I certainly believe that the opposition will be asking all sorts of questions as they have been in the media in recent days, and there is no doubt that Senator Gallagher will want to have her say in the Senate. I certainly do work besides Senator Katy Gallagher and know that she is a woman of integrity, and if there's questions to be answered, she will no doubt answer them.