PM secures big win on Indigenous Voice

Anthony Albanese and the leaders of the six states and territories all signed a bipartisan statement of intent to back the Voice referendum at a national cabinet meeting at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday,

Speaking after the meeting, the Prime Minister said the states and territories had agreed to support the “important” and “vital” reform.

Australians will vote later this year in a referendum that, if successful, will change the Constitution to embed a body to provide advice to the parliament of the day on policies affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In their statement signed on Friday, Mr Albanese and the premiers and chief ministers said they would commit to working together on the referendum.

“We recognise this significant opportunity to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first peoples of Australia in our constitution,” the statement said.

“All state and territory governments support the Australian government in ensuring Australians are afforded a free and fair referendum process.”

The leaders have committed to support the Voice referendum by working together on national measures to “ensure the integrity and transparency of the referendum process”.

The state and territory governments will also consider steps for implementing the Voice following a successful referendum, including assisting in designing the advisory body and making similar arrangements at regional and local levels.

More to come