On October 14th, Australians will have their say in a referendum on recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia in the Constitution, through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Voice would be an independent, representative body for First Nations peoples.
- It would advise the Australian Parliament and the Government.
- It would give First Nations peoples a say on matters that affect them.
Voice to Parliament Community Forum
In July, I was joined by Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Yes23 Campaign Director Dean Parkin at an Understanding the Voice forum. Together, we talked about why constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a Voice to Parliament is a crucial step in the walk towards reconciliation.
What will be asked?
On referendum day, voters will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a single question. Subject to Parliament’s approval, the question will be:
“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Do you approve this proposed alteration?”
What is the Constitutional amendment?
The ‘Proposed Law’ that Australians are being asked to vote upon would change the Constitution to:
“Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
- There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”
That means it would change the Constitution to:
- recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of Australia.
- establish an advisory body known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
- provide that the Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Enable Parliament to pass legislation with respect to matters relating to the Voice.
What is a referendum?
A referendum is a vote by all Australians to change the Constitution. Parliament cannot change the Constitution, only a referendum can.
For the referendum to pass, a majority of voters need to vote ‘yes’ nationally, plus a majority of voters in at least 4 out of 6 states. This is known as a double majority.
Eligible Australians over the age of 18 must vote in the referendum.
The Australian Electoral Commission will run the referendum and establish polling places similar to what happens at a federal election.
If you vote in elections, you must vote in the referendum.
If you are enrolled to vote in elections, you are enrolled to vote in the referendum. You do not need to enrol again.
When will the referendum take place?
October 14th has been confirmed as the referendum date when Australia will have the opportunity to vote for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament.
What is the Uluru Statement from the Heart?
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a call by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for real and practical change in Australia through the establishment of a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament. The Uluru Statement was delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in 2017. It was the result of years of consultation and collaboration and asks all Australians to walk together to build a better future through Voice, Truth and Treaty.
You can read the full statement at ulurustatement.org
Why is putting the Voice in the Constitution important?
The Constitution sets out the basic legal rules on how Australia is governed. It is 122 years old and still does not recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s first peoples.
Constitutional recognition is a simple statement of the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were the first people here in Australia. This is recognition with a practical benefit: giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say over the things that affect them.
What is your position on the Voice to Parliament?
You can watch and read my speech to Parliament on the Voice here.
A Voice to Parliament is a simple yet powerful constitutional commitment to consult First Nations Australians on issues that affect them.
These issues include housing, education and health which consistently show disproportionately poor outcomes for First Nations Australians.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart, a historic invitation issued by First Nations representatives to all Australians, recognised that enshrining a Voice in the constitution is a meaningful, substantial, and practical change.
By enshrining the Voice in the Constitution, we hope to see improvement in the lives of First Nations peoples.
Many concerns about the Voice are not based in facts. The Voice would not become a ‘third house’ of Parliament. It would not have the power to vote on or veto legislation, or to pass or reject bills. The Voice would not administer funding or deliver programs.
For a long time I have engaged with this issue. In the last Parliament, I was a member of Minister for Indigenous Australians Parliamentary Working Group, working with former Minister Ken Wyatt. Many people in Indi also participated in the consultation process steered by Professor Marcia Langton and Professor Tom Calma.
I am committed to working with Indi communities on how we can achieve a successful referendum on this historic issue.
Where can I find more information?
More information can be found at the following websites:
Information on the Referendum from the AEC
Voice to Parliament: Debunking 10 myths and misconceptions
How can I get involved?
Many people in Indi have contacted my office asking how they can get involved for the campaign for the referendum. Some groups in Indi are already starting to gather and plan how they will engage in their communities in the lead up to the vote.
I will share more information on how my office can help those efforts soon.
In the meantime, you can get involved with the official Yes23 campaign here.
You can also join the Together Yes campaign here.