EMMA REBELATTO, HOST: Well, Linda Burney has slammed the no campaign tactics ahead of the upcoming referendum on the voice to parliament. In a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra, the Minister for Indigenous Australians criticized the use of what she called Trump style politics, arguing a yes vote shows devotion to Australia while highlighting key areas such as health, housing, employment and education. Where real change can be made. Assistant Minister Malarndirri McCarthy joins us now from Darwin. Senator, good morning. Thanks for joining us. Do you agree with Linda Burney assessment of the tactics used by the No campaign?
NT SENATOR MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: Well, Linda Burney is an outstanding Australian and certainly leading this campaign for the 'Yes'. in terms of encouraging all Australians to vote yes, Emma. And of course, lots of issues have to be called out. And I think her speech to the National Press Club yesterday was important and I think it said a lot of things and reminding all Australians that we do need to walk this road in a respectful way.
REBELATTO: Well, they were pretty strong words by Linda Burney yesterday, though. Do you think this will possibly just inflame the debate and spur on the 'no' campaigners?
MCCARTHY: Well, it will certainly inflame the debate in terms of the media coverage of the referendum, and we've still got a way to go, clearly. But as I travel around here across the Northern Territory in northern Australia, we're seeing lots of positive activity that's going on in terms of people reaching out to ordinary Australians, teaching them about what this road is and this is First Nations people. And also as we go through NAIDOC Week across the country, this is an incredibly important time to make sure that ordinary Australians have their say.
REBELATTO: We spoke to Nationals leader David Littleproud a little earlier this morning. Now he says there are so many questions about the mechanics, particularly for people in regional and remote areas. He says it's unknown he compared it to ATSIC, which he said had failed and this is just going to be repeating past mistakes. How do you respond to those criticisms?
MCCARTHY: Well, I just remind David Littleproud that he was the leader that took the Nationals away from this debate very early and didn't step in to get himself informed by the Referendum Engagement group, or by the referendum working group. And I do lament the fact that the Nationals never got themselves informed from the outset. So I would say to David Littleproud, you know, talk to Linda Burney, you know, work with those politicians who you know very clearly, work with Julian Leeser, work with the Liberals for Yes to get the information because clearly they feel very informed.
REBELATTO: New data has come out today from the Diversity Council Australia showing that 60% of Indigenous Australians have experienced harassment or discrimination in the workplace and this is an increase on last year. So this is what they're feeling this year. Do you think this debate on the Voice to Parliament is making the situation worse?
MCCARTHY: It's a difficult time across Australia for First Nations people knowing that we are being scrutinized quite intensely at every angle and some of it good and some of it not so good. We only have to reflect on the conversation and debate in the Australian Senate recently. What I would say to all Australians, but in particular First Nations people, you stay strong. We are going to get through this. It will be a much better Australia. And I am confident, Emma, that ordinary Australians can see through all of the rubbish that's being said that hurts and and discriminates against people, whether it's Indigenous people, whether it's people with disabilities. We've seen our cricketers have to deal with it over in, in London with Usman Khawaja. We know our country is against any form of racism and we need to call it out wherever it happens.
REBELATTO: Senator, I want to take your attention to a story that we've been covering this morning, the issue about parent visa applications. We're seeing a backlog that time has blown out to up to 50 years for people who live in Australia trying to get their parents out here as well, applying for visas. Is this good enough? What do you think needs to change?
MCCARTHY: Yes, I certainly heard that story on the news this morning. And of course, families who do make Australia home would like to see more of their families come to our country. But I have every confidence in our government, but in particular, Andrew Giles, who takes a leadership role around immigration. And I know that he is listening to all of those concerns.
REBELATTO: Another story we've been following this morning as well is the story about the AFL players. We've seen the illegal distribution of explicit photos of players shared without their consent. It's been referred to police as well as the e-Safety commissioner, what are your thoughts on this situation?
MCCARTHY: Well, that's the appropriate thing to do. I mean, clearly, if this has been done without the knowledge or permission of those players, both present and past, of course, it needs to be the right action to go to the police. And let's see what comes from that that outcome.
REBELATTO: Malarndirri McCarthy, thank you very much for joining us on News Breakfast this morning.