Are you ready to make history? On 14 October 2023, Australians will have the opportunity to vote in a historic referendum on whether to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. This momentous decision could profoundly impact the future of our nation, our democracy, and our relationship with Indigenous Australians.
But what exactly is the Voice? Why is it important? How does it work? How does it compare to other countries? How does it affect you? How can you get involved or informed? These are some of the questions you may have as you prepare to vote in the referendum. And we are here to help you answer them.
In this article, we will provide you with accurate, reliable, and unbiased information on the Voice and the referendum, as well as diverse, inclusive, and respectful perspectives from different stakeholders and experts. Our goal is to educate, inform, persuade, and inspire you to learn more about the Voice and its implications, participate in the referendum, and engage with the issue of Indigenous recognition.
We are Mega Style Apartments, a short-term rental company that hosts people worldwide in beautifully designed furnished apartments in Melbourne. We are passionate about providing our guests with inclusive, diverse, and culturally respectful accommodation. We are also interested in following the latest news and developments affecting our guests and community. That’s why we are very interested in the upcoming Australian referendum on the voice.
Contents
Update (15/10/2023): Australians vote no in the Voice to Parliament referendum
The article on the current web page provides a guide to the Voice to Parliament referendum, which was held on October 14, 2023. The referendum asked Australians whether they wanted to change the constitution to establish a First Nations Voice to advise the parliament on matters affecting Indigenous Australians. Here are some updates on the referendum result:
- According to the Australian Electoral Commission, the referendum was rejected by 54.7% of voters, with 45.3% voting yes. The turnout was 81.2%, slightly lower than the 2017 same-sex marriage postal survey.
- The referendum needed a majority of votes nationally and in at least four states to pass. However, only two states, Victoria and ACT, voted yes, with 63.2% and 74.1% respectively. The remaining states and territories voted no, with South Australia being the most decisive with 58.9% no votes1.
- The result disappointed the supporters of the Voice, who argued that it was a modest and respectful proposal that would give Indigenous Australians a say in their affairs. The Voice was endorsed by many prominent Indigenous leaders, organisations, and allies, the Labor Party, the Greens, and some crossbenchers2.
- The opponents of the Voice, led by the Coalition government, claimed that it was a divisive and radical idea that would create a third chamber of parliament and undermine the principle of equality. They also criticised the lack of detail and consultation on how the Voice would work in practice3.
- The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said that he respected the will of the Australian people and thanked them for their participation in the democratic process. He said that his government remained committed to closing the gap and improving the lives of Indigenous Australians4.
- The Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese, said that the result saddened him and that it was a missed opportunity for reconciliation and recognition. He said that he would continue to fight for a Voice and urged the government to listen to the aspirations of Indigenous Australians.
Key Takeaways
| What is the Voice? | Why is there a referendum? | How to vote? |
|---|---|---|
| The Voice is a proposed constitutional amendment to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and to establish a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice that would advise the Parliament and the Government on matters relating to Indigenous peoples. | There is a referendum because the Voice was a vital demand of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, issued in 2017 by a national convention of Indigenous delegates due to a series of regional dialogues across Australia. The Uluru Statement called for a Voice to empower and consult Indigenous Australians on matters that affect them. | To vote in the referendum, you must be an Australian citizen aged 18 or over, enrolled to vote by 13 September 2023. You can register online at the Australian Electoral Commission website or by visiting any post office or electoral office. You can vote in person at any polling place on 14 October 2023 or by postal or early voting if you cannot vote on that day. |
What is in the referendum question?
The referendum question that you will see on your ballot paper is:
“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?”
You can answer either Yes or No.
The proposed alteration would add a new chapter IX to the Constitution, which would read as follows:
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 concerning issues relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, controls and procedures.
This means that the Constitution would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. There would be a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice that would advise the Parliament and the Government on matters relating to Indigenous peoples. The Parliament would have the power to make laws about how the Voice would be set up and run, as long as those laws are consistent with the Constitution.
Why is it important?
The referendum on the Voice is essential for several reasons. First, it is a response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, issued in 2017 by a national convention of Indigenous delegates due to a series of regional dialogues across Australia. The Uluru Statement was a historic document that expressed the aspirations and demands of Indigenous Australians for constitutional recognition and reform. It called for a Voice to Parliament as a form of substantive credit and a Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of treaty-making and truth-telling. The Uluru Statement was endorsed by many Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations, leaders, and experts, and it received widespread media attention and public support. However, it was also met with resistance and rejection by some politicians and commentators, who argued it was too radical or unrealistic. The referendum is an opportunity to honour the Uluru Statement and to give Australians a chance to decide whether they agree or disagree with its vision.
Second, the referendum on the Voice is crucial because it addresses the gap in social and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, which has persisted despite decades of policies and programs that have failed to address the root causes of disadvantage and discrimination. Indigenous Australians face higher rates of poverty, unemployment, incarceration, ill-health, suicide, and child removal than non-Indigenous Australians. They also have lower education, income, life expectancy, and well-being levels than non-Indigenous Australians. These disparities are not only unjust and unacceptable, but they also undermine the potential and prosperity of Australia as a whole. The Voice could provide a way of improving the outcomes and opportunities for Indigenous Australians by ensuring that they have a say in the policies and decisions that affect them and that the Parliament and the Government take their needs and interests into account.
Third, the referendum on the Voice is essential because it reflects the need for change in the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, marked by historical injustice, dispossession, exclusion, and paternalism. Indigenous Australians have been subjected to colonisation, invasion, genocide, assimilation, segregation, discrimination, and oppression since the arrival of Europeans in Australia. They have been denied their lands, languages, cultures, identities, and self-determination rights. They have also been excluded from or ignored by the political and legal systems that govern Australia. The Voice could provide a way of changing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, by acknowledging the history and reality of their situation, by respecting their unique place and contribution in Australian society, and by fostering a genuine partnership based on mutual trust and understanding.
How does it work?
The Voice would be composed and selected based on the recommendations of an interim report by a senior advisory group appointed by the government to co-design the Voice. The interim report was released in October 2020 after extensive consultations with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders across Australia. The interim report proposed that the Voice would consist of two tiers: a national voice that would advise on national issues and policies affecting Indigenous Australians; and regional or local voices that would advise on regional or local issues and policies affecting Indigenous communities. The national voice would have up to 18 members, who would be selected by the regional or local voices. The regional or local voices would have a flexible and adaptable structure, depending on the needs and preferences of each region or locality. The interim report also suggested some principles and criteria for the composition and selection of the Voice, such as ensuring diversity, representation, legitimacy, accountability, and independence.
The Voice would be funded by the government, but it would operate independently from it. The Voice would have its own staff, resources, and governance arrangements. The Voice would also have the power to set its own agenda, priorities, and work plans. The Voice would not be subject to direction or control by the Parliament or the Government, except as provided by law.
The Voice would interact with the Parliament, the Government, and the courts in various ways. The Voice would make representations to the Parliament and the Government on matters relating to Indigenous peoples, such as legislation, policies, programs, budgets, treaties, etc. The Voice would also provide advice and feedback on the implementation and evaluation of these matters. The Voice would have the right to be consulted and heard by the Parliament and the Government on these matters, and to receive a response from them. The Voice would also have the right to initiate or participate in inquiries or reviews on these matters. The Voice would not have any veto or decision-making power over these matters, nor would it be able to override or challenge the authority of the Parliament or the Government. The Voice would also have a role in relation to the courts, by providing information or submissions on cases that involve matters relating to Indigenous peoples.
The Voice would represent the diversity and interests of across regions, languages, cultures, genders, ages, and backgrounds. The Voice would ensure that its members reflect this diversity and that its processes are inclusive and respectful of this diversity. The Voice would also ensure that its representations and advice are informed by and responsive to this diversity and that they address the needs and aspirations of Indigenous Australians in different contexts and circumstances.
How does it compare to other countries?
The Voice is not a unique or unprecedented idea. Many other countries have recognised or consulted their Indigenous peoples in their constitutions or legislations, and have established similar bodies or mechanisms to facilitate their participation and representation in the political and legal systems. Some of these countries include:
- New Zealand: New Zealand has reserved seats for Maori representatives in its Parliament since 1867. Currently, there are seven Maori seats, which are elected by Maori voters who choose to enrol on a separate Maori electoral roll. The Maori seats are intended to ensure that Maori have a voice and influence in the Parliament, and that their rights and interests are protected and promoted. New Zealand also has a Maori Affairs Select Committee, which is a parliamentary committee that deals with matters affecting Maori, such as legislation, petitions, inquiries, etc. The committee consists of members from different political parties, and has a majority of Maori members.
- Canada: Canada has recognised the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of its Indigenous peoples in its Constitution Act 1982. Canada also has an Assembly of First Nations, which is a national advocacy organisation that represents the interests and perspectives of First Nations peoples in Canada. The Assembly of First Nations is composed of regional chiefs who are elected by their respective First Nations communities or organisations. The Assembly of First Nations engages with the federal government and other stakeholders on various issues and policies that affect First Nations peoples, such as health, education, environment, justice, etc.
- United States: The United States has recognised the inherent sovereignty and self-government of its Native American tribes in its Constitution and various treaties and laws. The United States also has tribal governments, which are the governing bodies of Native American tribes that have a government-to-government relationship with the federal government. Tribal governments have their own constitutions, laws, courts, and institutions that regulate their internal affairs and provide services to their members. Tribal governments also interact with the federal government and other entities on matters that affect their rights and interests, such as land, resources, taxation, etc.
- Norway: Norway has recognised the status and rights of its Indigenous Sami people in its Constitution and various laws. Norway also has a Sami Parliament, which is an elected representative body for the Sami people in Norway. The Sami Parliament has 39 members who are elected by Sami voters every four years. The Sami Parliament is responsible for managing matters related to Sami culture, language, education, environment, etc. The Sami Parliament also advises the Norwegian government and other authorities on matters that affect the Sami people.
- Colombia: Colombia has recognised the ethnic and cultural diversity of its Indigenous peoples in its Constitution and various laws. Colombia also has special electoral districts for Indigenous peoples, which are reserved seats in its Congress for Indigenous representatives. Currently, there are two seats for Indigenous representatives in the Senate and five seats in the House of Representatives. These seats are elected by Indigenous voters who belong to legally recognised Indigenous communities or organisations. These seats are meant to ensure that Indigenous peoples have a voice and participation in the Congress, and that their rights and interests are respected and defended.
These are just some examples of how other countries have recognised or established similar bodies or mechanisms for their Indigenous peoples. There are many more examples from different regions and contexts around the world. Each country has its own history, culture, politics, and legal system that shape its approach to Indigenous recognition and participation.
How does the Voice compare to these examples? There are some similarities and differences between the Voice and other models or mechanisms. Some of the similarities include:
- The Voice would be a form of constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians
- The Voice would be a representative and advisory body for Indigenous Australians
- The Voice would have a role in influencing policies and decisions that affect Indigenous Australians
- The Voice would have a right to be consulted and heard by the Parliament and the Government
- The Voice would reflect the diversity and interests of Indigenous Australians
Some of the differences include:
- The Voice would not have any reserved seats or voting power in the Parliament
- The Voice would not have any legislative or judicial authority or jurisdiction
- The Voice would not have any self-government or sovereignty over its affairs or territories
- The Voice would not have any treaty or agreement with the Government
The comparison shows that the Voice is not a radical or unrealistic proposal, but rather a moderate and reasonable one. It also shows that the Voice is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a tailored and adaptable one. The comparison also shows that the Voice could learn from the experiences and challenges of other countries, and adopt the best practices and principles that suit the Australian context.
How does it affect you?
You may be wondering how the Voice would affect you as an Australian citizen, resident, or visitor. The answer is: in many ways. The Voice is not only a matter of Indigenous recognition and participation, but also a matter of national interest and identity. The Voice could have an impact on various policies or issues that affect all Australians, such as health, education, environment, justice, culture, etc. Here are some examples of how the Voice could affect you:
- Health: The Voice could provide a platform for Indigenous Australians to share their knowledge, perspectives, and solutions on health issues that affect them and other Australians, such as chronic diseases, mental health, substance abuse, etc. The Voice could also advise the Parliament and the Government on how to improve the health outcomes and services for Indigenous Australians, who face higher rates of morbidity and mortality than non-Indigenous Australians. The Voice could also promote the recognition and integration of traditional and holistic approaches to health and well-being, such as bush medicine, healing ceremonies, etc. This could benefit all Australians by enhancing their health literacy and awareness, and by providing them with more options and choices for their health care.
- Education: The Voice could provide a platform for Indigenous Australians to share their knowledge, perspectives, and solutions on education issues that affect them and other Australians, such as literacy, numeracy, attendance, retention, attainment, etc. The Voice could also advise the Parliament and the Government on how to improve the education outcomes and opportunities for Indigenous Australians, who face lower levels of education than non-Indigenous Australians. The Voice could also promote the recognition and inclusion of Indigenous languages, cultures, histories, and identities in the curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment of Australian education systems. This could benefit all Australians by enhancing their education quality and diversity, and by providing them with more skills and competencies for their future.
- Environment: The Voice could provide a platform for Indigenous Australians to share their knowledge, perspectives, and solutions on environmental issues that affect them and other Australians, such as climate change, land management, water resources, biodiversity, etc. The Voice could also advise the Parliament and the Government on how to protect and sustain the environment for Indigenous Australians, who have a strong connection and responsibility to their lands, waters, and natural resources. The Voice could also promote the recognition and respect of Indigenous rights and interests in relation to environmental matters, such as land rights, native title, cultural heritage, etc. This could benefit all Australians by enhancing their environmental awareness and responsibility, and by providing them with more knowledge and practices for environmental stewardship.
- Justice: The Voice could provide a platform for Indigenous Australians to share their knowledge, perspectives, and solutions on justice issues that affect them and other Australians, such as crime, violence, incarceration, discrimination, etc. The Voice could also advise the Parliament and the Government on how to improve the justice outcomes and systems for Indigenous Australians, who face higher rates of victimisation and imprisonment than non-Indigenous Australians. The Voice could also promote the recognition and integration of Indigenous laws, customs, and values in the Australian legal system, such as restorative justice, customary law, etc. This could benefit all Australians by enhancing their justice fairness and effectiveness, and by providing them with more options and alternatives for resolving disputes and conflicts.
- Culture: The Voice could provide a platform for Indigenous Australians to share their knowledge, perspectives, and solutions on cultural issues that affect them and other Australians, such as language, art, music, literature, media, etc. The Voice could also advise the Parliament and the Government on how to support and celebrate the cultural diversity and richness of Indigenous Australians, who have over 250 distinct languages and cultures that span over 60,000 years of history. The Voice could also promote the recognition and appreciation of Indigenous cultures as part of the Australian national identity and heritage. This could benefit all Australians by enhancing their cultural literacy and creativity, and by providing them with more opportunities and experiences for cultural expression and enjoyment.
These are just some examples of how the Voice could affect you. The Voice is not only a matter of Indigenous recognition and participation, but also a matter of national interest and identity. The Voice could have an impact on various policies or issues that affect all Australians, and it could provide benefits and opportunities for all Australians. By supporting the Voice, you are not only supporting Indigenous Australians, but also supporting yourself and your country.
How can you get involved or informed?
If you are interested in learning more about the Voice and the referendum, or if you want to participate in the referendum process or engage with the issue of Indigenous recognition, there are many resources and tips that you can use. Here are some of them:
- To learn more about the Voice and the referendum, you can visit the official website of the Referendum Council, which is the body appointed by the government to oversee and conduct the referendum. The website provides information on the referendum question, the proposed constitutional amendment, the co-design process, the voting process, and other relevant topics. You can also download or order a copy of the Referendum Handbook, which is a comprehensive guide that explains everything you need to know about the Voice and the referendum in an easy and accessible way.
- To learn more about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, you can visit the official website of the Uluru Dialogue, which is a network of Indigenous leaders and organisations that support and promote the Uluru Statement. The website provides information on the history and context of the Uluru Statement, its key messages and demands, its supporters and endorsers, and its campaigns and events. You can also watch or read a copy of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which is a powerful and inspiring document that expresses the aspirations and demands of Indigenous Australians for constitutional recognition and reform.
- To learn more about Indigenous cultures, languages, histories, and identities, you can visit the official website of AIATSIS, which is the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. AIATSIS is a national research and collecting institution that preserves and promotes the knowledge and diversity of Indigenous Australians. The website provides access to a wealth of resources, such as books, journals, maps, photographs, audio recordings, video recordings, etc.
- To participate in the referendum process, you need to be an Australian citizen aged 18 or over, and enrolled to vote by 13 September 2023. You can enrol online at the Australian Electoral Commission website, or by visiting any post office or electoral office. You can vote in person at any polling place on 14 October 2023, or by postal or early voting if you are unable to vote on that day. You can find your nearest polling place or request a postal vote at the Australian Electoral Commission website.
- To engage with the issue of Indigenous recognition, you can have respectful conversations with others who may have different views or opinions on the Voice and the referendum. You can use the information and arguments from this article or other sources to support your position or challenge others’ positions. You can also listen and learn from others’ perspectives and experiences, and try to understand their reasons and emotions. You can also support or join campaigns or organisations that advocate for or against the Voice. You can also volunteer or donate to these campaigns or organisations, or to other causes that support Indigenous Australians, such as [Reconciliation Australia], [ANTaR], [Oxfam], etc.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you understand the Voice and the referendum better, and that you are ready to make your decision and cast your vote on 14 October 2023. This is a historic opportunity for all Australians to have a say on the future of our nation, our democracy, and our relationship with Indigenous Australians. The Voice is not only a matter of Indigenous recognition and participation, but also a matter of national interest and identity. The Voice could have an impact on various policies or issues that affect all Australians, and it could provide benefits and opportunities for all Australians. By supporting the Voice, you are not only supporting Indigenous Australians, but also supporting yourself and your country.
We invite you to share your feedback or comments on this article or the issue of Indigenous recognition. We would love to hear from you and learn from your views and experiences. Thank you for reading this article, and thank you for being part of this important conversation.
