Treaty

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON (15:19): Supplementary question: will the minister rule out the payment of reparations and compensation to Indigenous Australians?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:19): As I said, I am not going to, as I didn't when the Hon. Rob Lucas asked me questions about what will or won't form Treaty discussions or negotiations. I might just note that, interestingly, one of the biggest proponents of moving forward a Treaty agenda is Warren Mundine, one of the major lights in the no campaign. In fact, I think he was quoted in the last week as saying that the no vote makes treaties more likely. So for those who would oppose righting historical wrongs and injustices and entering agreements, even those who propose a no vote at the federal referendum are strong advocates and in fact say that a no vote makes treaties more likely.