SARAH ABO, HOST: The official battle lines are being drawn on the voice to parliament. Both sides unveiling their official campaign messages today. Joining us to discuss is Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy in Darwin... Thank you for your time this morning. Malarndirri. There are fears the Yes campaign will overreach its intended powers. Will the release of your new messaging ease those fears for some in the community?
NT SENATOR MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: It's absolutely wonderful I think, Sarah, that we're at this step where you can, and Australians can have a look at what the Yes campaign is in terms of the pamphlet and obviously have a look at the No campaign. It's democracy in action. I believe that once Australians do see the campaign pamphlet, they will be able to see for themselves just how simple this gesture is in terms of First Nations people calling on Australians to support an advisory group, a Committee in the Constitution.
ABO: I guess there is a bit of concern, about when these pamphlets are being released. I mean, it's not going to be until closer to the referendum. Is that wise, considering the concerns that exist right now and the lack of detail that people are claiming doesn't exist?
MCCARTHY: Well, the pamphlet is just one avenue, Sarah. Obviously, we have the Yes campaign participants right across the country reaching out, whether it's in town hall meetings or around coffee tables, walking the streets of communities, being able to answer those questions. And, you know... I'm ever conscious that we've got to reach out and reach the hearts of Australians. This is about our future Australians. I don't want our future Australians to have to deal with the issues of closing the gap where we have low life expectancy. You talk about cost of living. Well, if First Nations people don't have a home to live in. Then there are different pressures that they're experiencing and we're just asking Australians to see this in terms of what advice will always be about... I stood on the parliament floor in the Senate for 10 hours answering those questions right up till 4:15 in the morning. We know that the parliament will have the responsibility to be able to follow through if we are successful in this referendum. .
ABO: Hmm. Yeah, I mean, it's certainly something that we need to be keeping a close eye on, that's for sure. Well, the Solomon Islands prime minister is defending his nation's close ties with China, accusing Australia of being un-neighbourly for criticizing that alliance. Is the government concerned about the Solomon Islands close ties with Beijing?
MCCARTHY: Look, we've been concerned about it, certainly while we were in opposition, Sarah, when this deal came through under the previous government and we're rightly continuing to ask questions around it. I do think that's an important thing to do. I think it's a responsible thing to do. We need to understand what the relationship is between China and the Solomons and are asking for that agreement to be made public.