What is the Voice?
The Voice will be a committee of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who will give advice to the Parliament and Government on issues that affect their community.
It will include Indigenous Australians from every state and territory, the Torres Strait Islands and representatives from the regions and remote communities.
Members of the Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their local area and serve for a fixed period.
Why do we need the Voice?
There are big challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:
- A life expectancy 8 years shorter than non-Indigenous Australians.
- Worse rates of disease and infant mortality.
- A suicide rate twice as high.
- Fewer opportunities for education and training.
Clearly, the current approach isn't working.
To close these gaps, find solutions and plan for the future we need to listen to advice from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about issues affecting their lives and communities.
How will the Voice work?
The Voice is about advice.
When governments listen to people about issues that affect them, they:
- Make better decisions.
- Get better results.
- Deliver better value for money.
The Voice will give advice on key issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, from better infant health to improving services in remote areas.
Where did the idea come from?
This idea came directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Saying Yes means:
Supporting an aspiration put forward by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over decades.
Accepting a proposal backed by over 80% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The call for a Voice did not come from politicians.
In 2017, after many years of work and countless conversations in every part of the country, nearly 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and elders endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Calling for recognition in the Constitution through a Voice.
Asking us to help make practical change in their lives and create better opportunities for their children.
Australians from all walks of life, all faiths and cultures, and all sides of politics have given their support to this proposal.
Now we can make it a reality.
Saying Yes is an act of unity that will bring Australians together.
Five reasons to say Yes
✓ Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our Constitution and paying respect to 65,000 years of culture and tradition.
✓ Listening to Indigenous people on matters that affect their lives.
✓ Better Results with real practical progress in Indigenous health, education, employment and housing.
✓ Accepting a request from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
✓ Unity, hope and a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all Australians.
What will be the referendum question?
At the referendum, Australians will be asked the following 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?"
The proposed law that Australians are being asked to approve at the referendum would insert a new section into 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:
- 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 with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”