Video of the speech from ABC. The award was for best scripted variety series. Music starts at 0:58, so I guess they're allotted a minute.
The Sarah McLachlan joke is presumably because she's an animal rights activist, and appeals for donations are normally set over somber orchestral music?
Theres a famous SPCA commercial with her and her song "I will remember you"
So yes because she is, but this commercial has been referenced and spoofed so often its a pretty well known comedic reference but a sincere message as well