The new Budget includes millions in funding to pursue an Indigenous voice in federal parliament.

Despite the Prime Minister's opposition to the idea, $7.3 million has been set aside to develop a model for the Indigenous voice, which then be put to Australian voters in a national referendum.

Just a few months ago, Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected the need for an Indigenous voice to parliament, claiming it would be an unnecessary “third chamber” of political power.

A bipartisan committee more recently called on the government to begin a co-design process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The budget papers say the government “remains committed” to constitutional recognition for Indigenous people, and claim the referendum will be conducted once a model has been settled.