Australia's Voice Referendum

On October 14, 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum on whether to recognize Indigenous Australians in the Constitution and establish a permanent body, called the Voice to Parliament, to allow them to speak directly to government.

Australia's Voice Referendum

The Voice to Parliament is a proposal from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to create a representative body that would advise the government on matters affecting Indigenous Australians. The Voice would be enshrined in the Constitution, which would give it permanence and independence.

The referendum is a historic opportunity for Australia to address its long history of injustice towards Indigenous peoples. It is also a chance for Australians to come together and recognize the First Peoples of this country.

What is the Voice to Parliament?

The Voice to Parliament would be a representative body made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from across Australia. It would be independent of government and would have the power to make recommendations to the government on matters affecting Indigenous Australians.

The Voice would be made up of two chambers: a regional chamber and a national chamber. The regional chamber would be made up of representatives from each of the nine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander regions in Australia. The national chamber would be made up of representatives from the regional chambers.

The Voice would be responsible for advising the government on a wide range of matters, including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage
• Education and employment
• Health and wellbeing
• Housing
• Justice
• Native title

The Voice would also have the power to initiate inquiries into matters affecting Indigenous Australians.

How would the Voice work?

The Voice would be a consultative body, not a decision-making body. This means that the government would not be legally bound to follow the Voice's recommendations. However, the government would be required to consult with the Voice on all matters affecting Indigenous Australians.

The Voice would be able to make recommendations to the government on a wide range of matters, including:

• Legislation and policies
• Programs and services
• Budget decisions
• Implementation of treaties and agreements

The Voice would also be able to initiate inquiries into matters affecting Indigenous Australians.

Why is the Voice to Parliament important?

The Voice to Parliament is important because it would give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a formal say in the decisions that affect their lives. It would also be a symbol of Australia's recognition of the First Peoples of this country.

The Voice is also important because it would help to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By giving them a voice in the decision-making process, the government would be better able to address their needs and concerns.

What are the arguments for and against the Voice to Parliament?

Arguments in favor of the Voice to Parliament

• The Voice would give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a formal say in the decisions that affect their lives.
• The Voice would be a symbol of Australia's recognition of the First Peoples of this country.
• The Voice would help to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• The Voice is a moderate proposal that has been endorsed by a wide range of people and organizations, including the Australian Labor Party, the Australian Greens, and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services.

Arguments against the Voice to Parliament

• The Voice would create a third chamber of Parliament, which is unnecessary and would lead to more bureaucracy.
• The Voice would give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples special rights and privileges.
• The Voice would not be effective in improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• The Voice is a divisive issue that could damage social cohesion in Australia.

What are the chances of the Voice to Parliament referendum passing?

The chances of the Voice to Parliament referendum passing are uncertain. It is likely to be a close vote.

The Australian Labor Party, the Australian Greens, and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services are all campaigning for a Yes vote. The Liberal Party and the National Party are campaigning for a No vote.

The outcome of the referendum will depend on a number of factors, including the level of public support for the Voice, the effectiveness of the Yes and No campaigns, and the turnout on election day.

How can I get involved in the Voice to Parliament referendum?

There are a number of ways to get involved in the Voice to Parliament referendum. You can:

• Learn more about the Voice and the referendum by visiting the Voice to Parliament website or reading the Uluru Statement from the Heart.