In 2017, a large group of aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people from all around the country got together to discuss issues that affect them — things like health, education, employment and housing policies.
They came up with an idea that could finally close the gap for many indigenous issues, called The Uluru Statement from the Heart.
This asks Australians to “walk together to build a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution”.
The advice they will give the government will be ‘The Voice to Parliament’.
It’s not a third chamber of government. It does not have veto power. It does not make laws. It can not override government decisions. It can not remove the rights of non-indigenous citizens. And it is not racist or divisive.
It is simply a group that gives advice to the government.
We will vote on whether we support an alteration to the constitution that recognises first nations people by establishing a Voice to Parliament.
We are the only liberal democracy on Earth that doesn’t officially recognise First Nations people.
Canada, New Zealand and America all recognise their indigenous people in their founding document. But we do not.
This is the exact wording change to the constitution we're voting on:
The purpose of the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023 (the Bill) is to amend the Constitution to:
If you agree with the above change which asks for aboriginal people to be recognised in our founding document and deserve the right to suggest changes to decisions that affect them, vote yes.
If you do not, vote no.
It has been, many times… Multiple bodies were introduced and removed because they were vulnerable to the political agendas of different governments.
This way, indigenous recognition and consultation are protected from political division. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people are tired of being political footballs.
There is a detailed proposal you can access at voice. gov.au, but we’re not voting on the detail.
Just like all other referendums, we are only being asked if we support a change.
Normal legislation will then be passed which sets out the detail. We can all contribute to this conversation when it arrives. This way, we can amend the legislation if the advisory body could be more effective, without another referendum.
There is no 26 page document. There is no hidden detail. It is a one page statement. The No Campaign are lying to you about this.
“The Uluru Statement from the Heart is one page” — National Indigenous Australians Agency chief executive, Jody Broun (Yinjibarndi woman from the Pilbara in Western Australia).
Read the statement here.
We have a responsibility to make informed decisions when exercising our democratic rights.
The conservative No Campaign’s best argument is to make you feel excluded and uninformed. They are telling you to look the other way. They are insulting your intelligence.
It is a privilege to be able to vote. So vote however you want, but make it an informed choice.
Unsure? Learn more!
Overwhelmingly, yes.
There were two official polls conducted in January (Ipsos) and April (YouGov), which found that support for the Voice among First Nations Australians was 80% and 83% respectively.
October 14th. And it is compulsory.
When you fill out your ballot paper at the referendum, you should write 'Yes' if you agree with this proposed change to the Constitution, or you should write 'No' if you do not agree.