Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman says it’s now time to change the date of Australia Day from January 26 as reports continually show a lack of progress made on indigenous issues.

Mr Gorman told Mark Gibson the Closing the Gap report handed down in August made him decide that now is the time to speak out.

“It highlighted on far too many measures we were not further enough ahead as where we should be,” he said.

“And we also had the government announce they wouldn’t be proceeding with an indigenous voice to parliament.

“Now, I always thought that voice would be the thing that would move our nation along on shifting the date of Australia Day … that’s not going to happen any time soon.”

Martu Elder Craig Sommerville said he “very much supports Patrick’s call”.

“Over the years the date has change,” he said.

“It’s not a day of celebration for a lot of aboriginal people including myself.”

Press PLAY to hear more from MP Patrick Gorman and Martu Elder Craig Sommerville below 

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