There is going to be a referendum about The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (The Voice to Parliament) between October and December 2023. The Voice will give First Nations people more say in decisions about them and is an important step in the journey to Reconciliation. A referendum is a pretty big deal – the last time there was a referendum in Australia was more than 20 years ago, in 1999. With Reconciliation Week taking place from 27 May to 3 June, it’s a good time to learn about The Voice to Parliament, who can take part in the referendum, and how.
#1 A referendum is a vote by the people about the Australian Constitution
A referendum is when the government asks the people to vote “yes” or “no” to an important question. The question is usually about a proposed change to Australia’s founding document, the Constitution. The Constitution sets out how Australia is governed. It overrides other laws and can’t be changed by Parliament. It can only be changed through a vote by the people – a referendum. The referendum about The Voice will ask the Australian people if they want to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of Australia. It will ask if Australians think they should establish a body to provide independent advice to the Parliament and Government about issues that impact them.
#2 If you vote in elections you must vote in the referendum
Eligible Australians over the age of 18 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, though you might need to update your enrolment details. If you are aged over 18 and eligible to vote but not enrolled, you should enrol to vote before the referendum.
#3 The Voice will give First Nations people more say in decisions about them
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice will be a new independent advisory body made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, chosen by local communities. It will make representations to the Australian Parliament and Executive Government on matters relating to them. It will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful and culturally informed.
#4 The Voice is an idea that was proposed many years ago
The Voice was officially proposed to the nation five years ago on 26 May 2017. This proposal is known as the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It was put together by over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Delegates from across Australia. It invites the Australian people to walk together to build a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
#5 There are plenty of places to learn about
You can learn more about The Voice to Parliament so you can make your decision on how you would like to vote at:
- The Australian Government website at voice.gov.au
- Reconciliation Australia’s website at reconcilitation.org.au
- You can also read more about Your right to vote, including how to check if you are enrolled to vote, update your enrolment details or enrol to vote at https://www.afford.com.au/blog/5-things-to-know-about-your-right-to-vote/
This story is from the May edition of Afford News. Click here to read more.
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