A referendum to enshrine Indigenous recognition in the constitution will not be held in the first half of 2023, the prime minister says.
Anthony Albanese wants all Australians to have ownership over the referendum process and give time for a debate about what an Indigenous voice would mean.
"It's a pretty simple proposition here to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution, to create a voice, a body that will be consulted," he told Sydney radio 2SM on Tuesday.
"It's not a third chamber of parliament, it's not a decision-making body, it's simply a matter of good manners and respect by recognising people in the constitution and then consulting them on matters that directly affect them."
The prime minister also defended his decision to enlist the support of former US basketball star Shaquille O'Neal after the pair held a joint media conference at the weekend.
Greens senator Lidia Thorpe and Country Liberal Party senator Jacinta Price have criticised the move as a PR stunt.
But Mr Albanese said the NBA legend approached him to lend support to the referendum and raise awareness in the community.
"Shaq appeals to a whole bunch of people, many of whom would have been hearing about the voice to parliament for the very first time and that's a good thing," he said.
"I make no apologies for saying I'll engage with anyone, anywhere, any time, about these issues and anything we can do to raise the profile of this issue is a good thing."
Australian Associated Press
