LINDA BURNEY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: Good morning, everyone. And thank you so much for being here. In the last week, I've been from east to west, from the Top End to down here in the Apple Isle. I've seen the best of this country, and I’ve seen the worst. I have seen hope and I have seen despair. What's happening in places like the Northern Territory shows that we have to do things differently. We need to listen to locals, we need to listen to the grassroots solutions. A genuine partnership, not politics as usual.

Last night in Darwin, a woman tragically died after allegedly being stabbed outside a hotel where I was staying.

The woman came into the hotel to seek help.

Together with staff from the hotel members of my staff provided assistance to the woman, and I comforted members of her family.

I have been informed today that the woman was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital and died a short-time later.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the woman’s family and her loved ones.

I want to thank the hotel staff, the Northern Territory Police and the paramedics who attended.

SENATOR THE HON MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH: I just acknowledge that we're on Larrakia country and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and just would like to thank Minister Linda Burney for being with us today. And also family from Borroloola, who live here at Daisy Yarmirr hostels. So we have Loretta Anderson, Miriam Charlie, and mum, Carol Charlie. They don't know what we're going to announce at the moment, but I'm hoping they're going to be happy when they hear it.

SENATOR THE HON MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH: I just acknowledge that we're on Larrakia country and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and just would like to thank Minister Linda Burney for being with us today. And also family from Borroloola, who live here at Daisy Yarmirr hostels. So we have Loretta Anderson, Miriam Charlie, and mum, Carol Charlie. They don't know what we're going to announce at the moment, but I'm hoping they're going to be happy when they hear it.

The Australian Government extends its thanks to the Australian Public Service Commissioner, Mr Peter Woolcott AO, who has announced his retirement following a distinguished four-decade long career of public service to the Australian community.

LINDA BURNEY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: On Saturday night, Peter Dutton said the one test of his leadership was Liberal Party internals. Today’s decision is about Liberal party internals. It has nothing to do with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or taking Australia forward together. The referendum later this year is about two things – it’s about recognition and it’s about listening. And the Australian people will decide this referendum, not politicians. The Constitution is the people’s document.

ANDY PARK, HOST: Tributes have been flowing today for Indigenous land rights activist and Gumatj clan leader, Yunupingu. Yunupingu’s last name is being used by the ABC, in accordance with the wishes of his family. He died in north-east Arnhem Land, aged 74. In 1978, Yunupingu was named Australian of the Year. He was also the Garma festival chairman, a land rights stalwart, a singer, a painter and a force of the community.

Australia has lost a giant.

Yunupingu, a Yolngu man of the Gumatj clan, has passed away.

A pioneer of the Aboriginal land rights movement, including the landmark Gove Land Rights case and the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, in 1978 Yunupingu was named Australian of the Year.

Yunupingu served as the Chair of the Northern Land Council for 23 years.

He worked with more than 10 Prime Ministers of Australia on the struggle for Indigenous recognition, and lived through the many disappointments.

Australia has lost a giant.

Yunupingu, a Yolngu man of the Gumatj clan, has passed away.

A pioneer of the Aboriginal land rights movement, including the landmark Gove Land Rights case and the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, in 1978 Yunupingu was named Australian of the Year.

Yunupingu served as the Chair of the Northern Land Council for 23 years.

He worked with more than 10 Prime Ministers of Australia on the struggle for Indigenous recognition, and lived through the many disappointments.

MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS, LINDA BURNEY: Thank you all for coming this morning. This is truly history in the making. Today with the introduction of the Constitution Alteration Bill, we are one step closer to making history. One step closer to making history. One step closer to creating a Voice, that makes sure the voices of our people are heard. One step closer to improving lives with a Voice that make a difference. One step closer to moving Australia forward for everyone. This referendum is not about politicians. And it's not about lawyers.