Conservative coalition MPs have raised concerns about an indigenous voice to parliament after the federal government signalled it would forge ahead with constitutional change within three years.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt has announced the ambitious timeline for a referendum on changing the constitution to recognise indigenous Australians.
Mr Wyatt also committed to bringing an indigenous voice to parliament, although it may not be enshrined in the constitution.
But the minister could face roadblocks inside the coalition party room, with right-wing parliamentarians casting doubt over a new parliamentary advisory body.
Queensland LNP senator Amanda Stoker said what the model looked like was vital.
"If it is some form of grand gesture or a proposal for a third chamber, that is going to be a lot more complex," she told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
Victorian Liberal senator James Paterson said any change which threatened Australia's parliamentary system or treated Australians differently based on race would be a "backwards step".
The Turnbull government rejected a so-called "third chamber" of parliament after the 2017 Uluru Statement recommended a new body be added to the nation's founding document.
Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce believes giving more Senate representation to regional Australia is a better way to boost indigenous representation.
Source: AAP
He said states should be divided into six regions with two senators each to widen the geographical area upper house representatives cover.
"By its very nature ... it will most definitely represent Aboriginal people in a better way," the Nationals MP said.
Labor wants an indigenous voice to parliament enshrined in the constitution, but has committed to working constructively with the government on the issue.
"A voice to parliament absolutely has to be entrenched in the constitution," the opposition's indigenous affairs spokeswoman Linda Burney said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison may be forced to exercise his authority over recognising indigenous people in the constitution.
Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos admits there are varying views within the government on the issue, but said Mr Morrison's election victory gave him "a lot of authority".
"At the end of the day people in my party - the Liberal party and in the coalition - will follow his judgement on this," Senator Sinodinos told the ABC.
Mr Wyatt has stressed the government won't go ahead with a referendum until it's certain it will succeed.
"Because if we lose it, the impact is profound," he told ABC's 7.30 program.
"I would love to achieve it in this term of government but I'm also going to be pragmatic and say we will do it when we have the right mix of all of the ingredients that are necessary for a successful referendum."
SOURCE AAP
