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Lorena Allam
Andrew Bragg wants to support voice, but says it needs to be ‘safe'
Liberal senator Andrew Bragg has spoken to ABC radio this morning about the Indigenous voice to parliament. Yesterday he penned an op-ed for the Australian newspaper saying it was a 'good and fair idea'.
Bragg tells the ABC this morning:
I want to be able to recommend a yes. But we need to do that on the basis that it's a safe change to the constitution. Now the various legal issues that have been raised in relation to how the high court could undermine parliamentary supremacy need to be addressed. So what we want to have is an inquiry where you can bring in all the various legal experts, cross examine these propositions, separate the red herrings from the legitimate legal issues and then consider amendments to the proposed wording to go into the constitution.
I want to be able to recommend a yes. But we need to do that on the basis that it's a safe change to the constitution. Now the various legal issues that have been raised in relation to how the high court could undermine parliamentary supremacy need to be addressed.
So what we want to have is an inquiry where you can bring in all the various legal experts, cross examine these propositions, separate the red herrings from the legitimate legal issues and then consider amendments to the proposed wording to go into the constitution.
RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas clarifies that no legal expert has suggested that the language so far put forward would undermine the supremacy of parliament.
Karvelas asks Bragg about the point made by campaigners including Noel Pearson that the legislation is an issue for the parliament, after a yes vote. Bragg responds:
You don't go to a referendum to seek a new power in the constitution without a plan to use it. In my view you should at least put forward an exposure draft bill. I think the most urgent task right now, frankly, is making sure that the amendment that people will be asked to vote on is a safe amendment. And I think we need to address those red herrings – or dismiss them – and we need to address the legitimate legal issues that people have raised, particularly in relation to the role of the high court.
You don't go to a referendum to seek a new power in the constitution without a plan to use it. In my view you should at least put forward an exposure draft bill.
I think the most urgent task right now, frankly, is making sure that the amendment that people will be asked to vote on is a safe amendment. And I think we need to address those red herrings – or dismiss them – and we need to address the legitimate legal issues that people have raised, particularly in relation to the role of the high court.
NSW Labor promises to double funding for women's health centres
The New South Wales opposition has pledged to double the funding for women's health centres to $100m over five years if elected in March.
The state's Labor leader, Chris Minns, said the money would ensure sustainable operations of the 20 centres across NSW and provide important care for women in need.
He said:
Core funding has not kept up with the ever-increasing demand and this is placing more pressure on our already struggling hospital system. This funding will make sure women have access to key health services and relieve pressure on NSW hospitals.
Core funding has not kept up with the ever-increasing demand and this is placing more pressure on our already struggling hospital system.
This funding will make sure women have access to key health services and relieve pressure on NSW hospitals.
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, is heaping pressure on Anthony Albanese over law and order issues