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ABC News
ABC News
National
political reporter Jake Evans

Peter Dutton pushes for government to endorse single Voice to Parliament model

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says Anthony Albanese should endorse a model for the Voice to Parliament in order to win people's support, including possibly his own.

Mr Dutton said he still sought a bipartisan agreement on the Voice to Parliament ahead of a referendum later this year, but repeated his belief that there was not enough detail about the proposal for people to make a choice.

"We want to have some assurance that the model they're talking about at a very lofty level is going to have a positive impact," he said.

"If we can find a bipartisan position on this area of public policy then that would be the best approach."

The government has intentionally avoided committing to a particular model, saying a referendum on whether to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament should be focused on the principle, with the details to be worked out by parliament later, and be able to be amended.

Mr Dutton said he believed there were members of the public who could be convinced to support the Voice if they saw a particular model.

"People want to do the right thing but don't understand what the government is proposing," Mr Dutton said.

"The prime minister makes constant reference to the Langton-Calma report — it's about 272 pages — but he hasn't said that if there is a Yes vote at the constitutional referendum that that report would be implemented.

"Yes at the referendum you are voting for a higher-level model [but] this is a body that would be enshrined in the constitution. We need to understand the import of that."

Mr Dutton said the government could introduce proposed laws for a Voice "tomorrow" to demonstrate how it could work.

Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney said she welcomed Mr Dutton's willingness to seek bipartisanship.

"I think it's very important that we involve Peter Dutton and his party as much as possible," she said.

"And of course, you know, Peter Dutton approached the working group with an open heart and an open mind just a few days ago."

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