The Voice

Since colonisation, bureaucrats and politicians have been unable to provide lasting solutions to the concerns expressed by mob across the country.

Closing the Gap reports time and time again, have shown that the policy solutions being offered are not working.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people understand better than anyone the issues faced in our communities, and ways to address them and improve them in ways that align with best cultural practice.

At NSWALC, we believe a Yes vote will make a difference in Aboriginal people’s lives, especially in rural and remote areas.

Voting Yes to constitutional recognition, supported by the majority of First Nations people, provides real pathways for meaningful consultation.

Changing the Constitution means that we will have a guaranteed right to speak to Government and Parliament about what is needed to practically improve community’s lives, not telling us what they think suits us. By having that direct conversation, we can address the ongoing disadvantage and discrimination our community faces.  We have the answers, this change will make those answers heard.

The details they are talking about are actually two different parts:

1. Today we have enough detail to vote in the referendum – this first part is about the change to the Constitution. We are being asked to vote on this change and to make constitutional recognition permanent. We have information about the change, the wording of the amendment and that a new chapter of the constitution will be created. We also know the question that will be asked of the public when the time to vote comes.
2. The other talk about ‘details’ is about the actual establishment of the ‘Voice’, what will it look like. This is not part of the change the constitution and will be decided upon, in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, once the referendum passes. What we do know is that there are design principles that will guide this process and that can be found here: The Voice Design Principles - Uluru Statement from the Heart

For example – we are being asked to vote on whether or not we build a bridge. We are not voting on what the bridge will look like, who will build it or whether is it made of steel or concrete. We must vote and agree on the bridge being built first, and then the finer details are discussed and implemented after a successful vote.

The Parliament will be responsible for deciding how the Voice is composed – to do that, they will need to closely consult with local communities and will need ongoing monitoring, input and evaluation in cooperation with mob and it will be an ongoing negotiation to review if the make up of the Voice is working and what may need to change.

This has been committed to by Government as part of their design principles- they commit the Government to a Voice that is chosen based on the wishes of local communities, and not appointed by Government. It will be gender balanced and have youth perspectives. And importantly, all members must be First Nations people.

On  Wednesday 30th August the Prime Minister announced the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum date for Saturday 14th October.

The question that will be put to Australian voters and will require a Yes or No response is: