Time to recognise an Indigenous Voice

The authors of the Statement from the Heart called for members of the Voice to be chosen by First Nations peoples based on the wishes of local communities.

HOW WILL THE VOICE MAKE A PRACTICAL DIFFERENCE?

Writing in The Conversation, three law professors (Gabrielle Appleby, Geo ff rey Lindell and Hannah McGlade) answered the question this way:

In late 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The specific question on the ballot paper will be:

“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?”

The Voice would be an independent Committee advising parliament and the government on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Learn more about the Voice

• The Uluru Statement from the Heart: https: //ulurustatement.org/ the-statement/view-the-statement/

• Rachel Perkins: The Uluru Statement from the Heart Background Video: https:// ulurustatement.org/education/ resources/

• “History is Calling” video https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5gF6DqYH6FE

• Nurses and Midwives for the Voice: Sign the pledge in support of the Voice and find more resources for the campaign. yes.ausunions.io n

The proposal stems from the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017. That statement was issued following a meeting of hundreds of Indigenous elders and community leaders at Uluru.

A constitutionally enshrined Voice was a key element of that statement.

“We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country,” the statement said.

It Respects The Wishes Of Local Communities

If the referendum succeeds, the Voice would be enshrined in the Constitution. The details of how it operates would be left to parliament to decide.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have answers to many pressing issues confronting their communities, but all too often are not heard.

“The Voice will give (them) a constitutionally guaranteed right to speak to government and the parliament about what’s needed for practical improvements to people’s lives. This in turn would help address disadvantage and systemic discrimination.”

The professors pointed out that if the Voice is in the Constitution, it can only be abolished by another referendum, rather than by a change of government policy.

“This gives it independence and stability, so it can fulfil its function of speaking about matters that might not be politically popular,” they said. n

What the Constitution would say

If the Voice is approved at the referendum, the following words will be added to the Constitution:

Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

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

2. 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;

3. the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures. n