‘Extraordinary’: Albo’s plea to Dutton

In a letter, seen by NCA NewsWire, the Prime Minister extended an olive branch to the Opposition Leader, holding out hope a constructive deal could be reached on the referendum.

“It is an extraordinary opportunity for every Australian to be counted and heard – to own this change and be proud of it,” Mr Albanese wrote.

“As always, I am available to discuss these important issues with you in order to achieve a constructive outcome.”

The letter, sent late on Wednesday evening, urged the Liberal leader to come forward with “any practical suggestions or amendments on the wording” of the proposed referendum.

“I would welcome your contribution,” Mr Albanese added.

He did not respond to the questions Mr Dutton posed in a letter sent earlier this year.

Mr Dutton will remotely meet with members of the referendum working group on Thursday.

Alyawarre woman and Uluru Dialogue co-chairwoman Pat Anderson said the meeting would be “important … for how the nation proceeds”.

“The government is very keen to have bipartisanship before we go to referendum. And part of the meeting today is to convince him (Mr Dutton). He hasn’t said no but neither has he said yes,” she told ABC Radio National.

“So this will be an opportunity for him to meet the working group and he can have a discussion with us and perhaps this will be the beginning of several conversations before he actually makes up his mind.”