On Thursday, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Attorney‑General, the Special Envoy for Reconciliation and the Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians met with the Referendum Working Group at Parliament House in Canberra.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the meeting to reiterate his commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart, starting with a referendum, describing it as an opportunity to bring the nation together.

"The government is determined to hold a referendum in accordance with the wishes arising from the Uluru Statement from the Heart," Mr Albanese said.

"We know that as we get down to the campaign end, there are two clear messages of what it's about: recognition and consultation.

"We know that that is the way to get better outcomes and to close the gap, which is there in too many areas."

Hearing from the representatives of the Referendum Working Group this afternoon in Canberra.

We want to deliver the best outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. pic.twitter.com/MMrxn6xex5

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) February 2, 2023

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser were also in attendance, presenting an opportunity for the Working Group to detail the progress made to date and discuss the approach to the referendum.

Peter Dutton said he was not "much further down the track" towards deciding whether to back a First Nations Voice to Parliament, hours before meeting leading advocates of the proposal.

In a statement after the meeting, Mr Dutton said he came to the debate with "goodwill and respect" and wants Australians to be informed.

The Working Group noted the referendum is about the principle of enshrining a Voice in the Australian Constitution.

"The Australian people will determine the outcome of this referendum, not politicians," Working Group member Professor Megan Davis said.

"The Uluru Statement From The Heart was an invitation to the Australian people and an invitation to walk with First Nations people in a movement for a better future.

"The constitution is the people's document. Politicians can't change it. Parliament can't change it. Only you, the Australian people, can change it."

The model of the Voice will be determined by the Parliament after the referendum, and after consultations.

The Voice is an opportunity for our nation to come together to recognise First Nations people in our Constitution.

That's why it was a strong sign of progress that today the Referendum Working Group was joined by @AlboMP, @PeterDutton_MP and @JulianLeeser. pic.twitter.com/l7fskoZ28y

— Linda Burney MP (@LindaBurneyMP) February 2, 2023

In particular, the Working Group agreed broad and inclusive consultation with First Nations peoples and communities is critical to ensure the final Voice model reflects the views of First Nations communities.

Mr Leeser said he was already familiar with the information presented Thursday.

"It was a very comprehensive presentation about the history of the Uluru dialogues which led to the voice," he said.

"I think it's been a good process today to meet with the working group.

"We accepted the government's invitation to meet with them and we'd now like the government to accept our invitation to deal with the questions (we have) raised."

The Working Group discussed a number of other issues, including the issue of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sovereignty. All members of the Constitutional Expert Group agreed that the draft provision would not affect the sovereignty of any group or body.

Also agreed was that the names 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice' and 'First Peoples Voice' are preferable to the name 'First Nations Voice'. Members of the Expert Group acknowledged that 'First Nations Voice' was chosen in the Uluru Statement but, while not unanimous, there was general consensus that the name 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice' or 'First Peoples Voice' would be preferable.

The Expert Group also noted that parliament would have the power to establish, and create relationships between, the Voice and sub-national bodies including regional Voices.

Final recommendations will be given to the federal government within the next month, with the introduction of the Constitutional Alteration Bill on track to be introduced to parliament in March.

The Working Group is looking forward to further engaging with Australians about the referendum in the Week of Action starting on Saturday February 18 to Friday February 24.