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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to Elders no longer with us, who fought tirelessly for respect and justice, and Elders today who continue to inspire and lead in the hope for a better future for our nation.

We’ve got a lot done this fortnight in Parliament!

Dear <<First Name>>,

The last two weeks have been significant in Canberra, with the Albanese Labor Government pushing a bold and progressive agenda.

We’ve taken big steps towards the Voice referendum and delivered on our election commitments in areas like domestic manufacturing, climate action, and closing the gender pay gap.

I’ve included some information about the work we’re doing below.

After a decade of inaction from the Coalition, Australians can rest assured our Government is committed to getting things done.

Yours sincerely,

Jana Stewart

Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba

Senator for Victoria

This Parliament has seen significant progress in delivering the First Nations Voice.

These important milestones are delivering on our commitment for a referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Australian Constitution.

While I feel optimistic about the future of our country, I know the next few months will be hard. Some will use this time to try and divide us as a nation, but we must stand together – this is above politics.

Referendum Machinery Bill:

On Wednesday 14 March, the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Amendment Bill passed Parliament with bipartisan support.

These important reforms will modernise the way the Commonwealth conducts referendums and pave the way for a neutral civics education campaign for all Australians.

Wording of the Referendum Question:

In a moving press conference, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the wording of the question that will be put to the Australian people at the 2023 referendum:

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

Constitution Alteration Bill:

Last week, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC introduced the Constitutional Alteration Bill to the Parliament. It's the first formal step towards an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. I encourage you to read the AG’s first reading speech.

The Constitutional Alteration Bill will undergo detailed inquiry under a newly-formed Joint Select Committee - of which I am lucky to be apart of. The Committee will accept public submissions on the Bill and is due to report by 15 May 2023.

Senators Malarndirri McCarthy and Nita Green joined me and baby Ari in the House of Representatives to watch this momentous occasion.

National Reconstruction Fund:

The last fortnight also saw the Government’s $15 million National Reconstruction Fund endorsed by the Parliament.

As the largest-ever investment into Australian manufacturing, this will revitalise our sovereign capability across key areas and deliver critical investments into:

• Renewables and low emission technologies;

• Medical science;

• Transport;

• Value add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries;

• Value add in resources;

• Defence capability;

• Enabling capabilities.

Safeguard Mechanism:

The Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill passed Parliament last week with the support of the Greens and Independents.

Under new measures taking effect in as little as 3 months, the Albanese Government is putting an end to a decade of delay and denial over climate change. This legislation will reduce our emissions by 43% by 2030, increase investment, safeguard our climate and our future.

It’s a plan that’s good for the environment, good for jobs and good for the economy.

Workplace Gender Equality:

Parliament also passed the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill - and it's a huge step forward for a more equitable future for all Australian women.

From next year, businesses that employ over 100 people will be required to report their gender pay gaps. Under the Australian-first reforms, there will be greater transparency and accountability for more than four and a half million employees.

I spoke in Parliament about the significance of this bill - you can watch my speech here.

Parliament will return from 9th May to the 11th May for the 2023-24 Federal Budget.