This week on Q+A, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the historic Mabo decision, we reflect on what’s been achieved since the High Court recognised Indigenous land rights. Gail Mabo’s father changed Australia and this week she joins the panel as we look ahead to how an Indigenous voice to parliament will be formally recognised.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to hold a referendum to enshrine a Voice for First Nations people in the Constitution and major faith groups have declared their support. The former government went to the election supporting a legislative option, but it remains to be seen if the Coalition’s position on the Uluru Statement from the Heart will change under its newly elected leader Peter Dutton. Will the Opposition back Labor’s plans for a referendum and will we see support for constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians during the next term of government? 

After a brutal election loss, the Liberal party has chosen Queensland conservative Peter Dutton to replace Scott Morrison and appointed former Environment Minister Sussan Ley as deputy. In his first press conference as Opposition leader, Mr Dutton says he will work with the new Labor government but his party’s policies will be squarely aimed “at the forgotten Australians in the suburbs”. He’s also admitted his boycott of the Stolen Generations apology was “a mistake”. Ms Ley says the Liberal party has “heard” women at the election and was “determined to earn back” their trust and faith.

Meanwhile the Nationals have also appointed a new leadership team, with Queenslander David Littleproud replacing Barnaby Joyce and NSW Senator Perin Daley voted in as deputy. Mr Littleproud has paid tribute to his predecessors and says his deputy represents the future of the party.  Will the departure of Barnaby Joyce see the Nationals shift their position on climate policy? How co-operative will the Liberal-National Coalition be under the new leadership teams?  

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:

Gail Mabo, Artist and daughter of land rights campaigner Eddie Koiki Mabo
Linda Burney, Incoming Indigenous Affairs Minister
Julian Leeser, NSW Liberal MP
Chris Kenny, Member of the Indigenous Voice Senior Advisory Group
Shireen Morris, Constitutional lawyer and author
Frank Brennan, Priest, human rights lawyer and academic

Please submit a question via our website by 9am Thursday for the chance to ask the panel. 

Scroll down to watch Thursday's toughest question asked by Greg Rubock, who asked former Liberal Foreign Minister Alexander Downer about allegations of cabinet room bugging in Timor-Leste. 👇

Watch Q+A Thursday at 8.30pm on ABC TV, streamed live 8.30pm AEST on ABC iview or on our website.