I’d like to begin by paying respect to the ancient Ngunnawal people, upon whose land we gather this afternoon and pay my respects to their elders’ past, present and emerging, on the pathway to Referendum Day on October 14, in a little over two weeks.

And I genuinely look forward to the opportunity to enshrine constitutional recognition for Australia’s first people through that national vote.

I’d also like to acknowledge all special guests here today including:

RUEBEN BERG, CO-CHAIR, FIRST PEOPLES ASSEMBLY OF VICTORIA: Thanks very much Uncle Ringo for that fabulous welcome. It's amazing to be on the lands of the Wurundjeri peoples. My name is Rueben Berg, I'm one of the Co-Chairs alongside Ngarra Murray, of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria. Not long to go now until the referendum. And unfortunately, the conversation still gets more complicated than it needs to be. This referendum is a very simple and straightforward referendum. It is about recognition. It is about listening.

LISA CHESTERS, MEMBER FOR BENDIGO: To welcome a very dear friend of mine and a warrior of the Yes campaign and the Voice to parliament - the amazing Linda Burney, who is the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. So Linda is going to say a few words before we kick start our official rally. We will be joined by our First Nations community leaders here, the Djaara people and will also have a few other speakers. So big Bendigo welcome to Linda Burney.

PAM BOLAND, HOST: You're on Breakfast here on RTR FM. it's 8:37 on your sound alternative, Very nearly time for me to get out of here. But before you do, we've got one more person to catch up with today. We've had a very busy show, but of course, never too much. We've got lots and lots of time. Over the past month, across Breakfast and lots of your programs on RTRFM, we've been hearing from experts across law, society and politics on the Voice to Parliament. The referendum that's happening in just a little while.

Residents in the remote community of Milingimbi in East Arnhem can look forward to improved wellbeing and reduced overcrowding thanks to the latest housing investment from the Northern Territory and Australian Labor Governments.

A $16 million tender has been awarded to WTD Constructions over 3 years to build 32 new homes and extend a further 32 existing homes for the around 1,200 people living in Milingimbi.

First Nations children and young people in Central Australia will have dozens of activities and programs to choose from in the school holidays, thanks to the Albanese Government’s funding boost for the region.

The landmark $250 million plan to create A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia is rolling out, giving families and children in Central Australia greater access to community-led, healthy and fun activities  for kids in the September-October holidays.

Some of the activities the Commonwealth is funding include;

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in Central Australia are invited to apply for funding to support justice reinvestment initiatives under the Albanese Government's $10 million Justice Reinvestment in Central Australia Program.

The Justice Reinvestment in Central Australia Program forms part of the Government's $250 million plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia, with communities in the Central Australian region of the Northern Territory eligible to apply for funding.

AMELIA SEARSON, HOST: Pressure from the cost of living is no stranger these days. I'm sure you've experienced the old going to the shops and you go to pick up some sort of produce, maybe some fresh veggies or some fresh fruit, and you think, I just can't afford to have this at the moment, so you pop it back on the shelf. Well, last week, the Federal Government announced Centrelink payments like JobSeeker, the Age pension, youth allowance, they're going to rise. And that's in an effort to alleviate some of that pressure that so many Australians are feeling at the moment.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: All right, let's get to the political panel as we discuss the COVID inquiry. In particular, plenty of criticism for it, for not being broad enough. Joining me live, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, NSW Liberal Party President Jason Falinski. Gentlemen, thanks both for your time. Pat, we've got this big inquiry that's supposed to tell us everything that we want to avoid doing next time, or we should do the same way, whatever it might be.

The Albanese Government will scope a new First Nations Economic Partnership with the Coalition of Peaks and other organisations to boost labour force participation and improve economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

After initial discussions between Treasury and the Coalition of Peaks, scoping work will commence imminently.