My thoughts on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum

“As a white male living in Australia, my thoughts don’t matter. It’s now time to shut up and listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.”

Picture by Author — 1770 Cultural Connections Festival 2023

What’s happening

On the 14th of October 2023, Australians will vote on a change to the constitution.

The 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 of this proposed alteration? Yes or No

The referendum requires a majority of votes in a majority of states to succeed. If the vote is successful, parliament will then design the Voice via legislation.

The proposed alteration to the constitution:

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:

1: There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;