NATALIE BARR, HOST: In the past year, rising interest rates have been blamed on a number of factors from inflation, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and an unstable global economy. However, the coalition believes there is a simpler explanation. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, backed by Nationals leader David Littleproud claims the Prime Minister has taken his eye off the economic ball due to his obsession with the voice. Joining me to discuss this is Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy...

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.

ASSISTANT MINISTER MCCARTHY: Thank you for joining us this morning. It's wonderful to be able to have our federal minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O'Connor, here with us on Larrakia Country. And I'd like to acknowledge also that we had the Northern Territory Government Minister here, Paul Kirby and the member for Solomon Luke Gosling. Today, I'd like to acknowledge that it is NAIDOC Week. A beautiful week in the Australian calendar but also a time to acknowledge our elders.

SARAH ABO: Well, hopes are fading for a better culture at Parliament House as we continue to see both sides of politics accuse each other of using serious assault allegations for political purposes. Joining us to discuss today's headlines is Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy in Canberra and editor of the Sunday Mail and Saturday Courier-Mail, Anna Caldwell in Brisbane. Thank you both so much for your time. Malarndirri, I want to start with you, if I could.

PAUL SERRATORE, HOST: Well if you've ever tried to book a doctor's appointment at short notice, you'll know just how impossible it can be. So, it's no surprise that when a medical incident suddenly happens, whether it's a child with high fever and vomiting or you've broken your arm or your leg, then your first course of action might be get in the car, drive to ED.

MEMBER FOR LINGIARI, MARION SCRYMGOUR: Thank you for coming. It's fantastic to be here with the Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic builds on what we've committed to for Central Australia. It's been great not just for our remote clinics, but also to deliver on the Urgent Care Clinic here in Alice Springs. We're standing in front of the facility, we've talked to some of the staff.

GREG JENNETT, HOST: Well, the final parliamentary sitting week before the referendum comes to an end tomorrow, mercifully, some might say perhaps because of that, it has been tetchier than last week was on The Voice, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy has been keeping a watch on it, as she always does, and the most recent flare ups to around professor Langton. Welcome back senator.

GREG JENNETT, HOST: One of four weeks of parliamentary sittings during the voice referendum has now drawn to a close. It hasn't led to too many voice related debates flaring up in the Parliament, but to check in on progress. Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy joined us once again after Question Time wrapped up in the Senate. Malarndirri McCarthy, always good to have you back on the program after a pretty hectic week around the parliament for you senators, let's stop where we always end up anyway, which is on The Voice.

KATIE WOOLF, HOST: Such a busy time, I would imagine, because as we know, the Prime Minister announced the polling day for the Indigenous voice to Parliament referendum. It's happening on October 14th.

ADAM STEER, HOST: Labor Senator Malarndirri McCarthy has been a proponent of the voice. Senator, thanks for your patience this morning and welcome back to the program. How important is this vote to you personally?