The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament
On October 14th, 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum to change the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Voters will be asked to vote 'Yes' or 'No' on a single question:
'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?'
If the referendum passes, the design of the voice will be finalised with input from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the Parliament and the broader public, based on the principles of the Voice which have been developed by the First Nations Referendum Working Group and endorsed by the Australian Government. For example:
- The Voice will give independent advice to the Parliament and Government.
- The Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities.
- The Voice will be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, gender balanced and include youth.
- The Voice will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful and culturally informed.
- The Voice will be accountable and transparent.
- The Voice will work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures.
- The Voice will not have a program delivery function.
- The Voice will not have a veto power.
You can learn more about what the Voice is and what it would do in the Australian Government's Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a Voice information booklet and Community Toolkit.
