Voice: the change we must all be part of

Speaking at the Garma Festival, Prime Minister Albanese put forward a possible referendum question: “Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?”  

Reconciliation Australia believes the country is ready to take this positive step forward.

This kind of progress on reconciliation is what will bond our country together and set the foundation for a more just and equitable nation.

Much work has been done to get us to this point. 

The Uluru Statement from the Heart was presented to the nation five years ago and calls for, “… the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling about our history.” 

In the five years since the release of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a Joint Select Committee has considered the proposal.

An Indigenous Voice Co-design process outlined, in detail, options for how a Voice could work.  

Further work will continue in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about what will go forward and ultimately the Australian people will be asked to support an Indigenous Voice to Parliament being enshrined in our Constitution

Be Brave. Make Change.

Reconciliation Australia’s work consistently shows the public is on board when it comes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having a say, and that we want governments to step up too. 

The Australian Reconciliation Barometer –  our two-yearly annual survey on attitudes to reconciliation – showed  95% of Australians believe it is important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say in matters that affect them

It showed 81% of Australians believe it is important to protect an Indigenous Body within the Constitution, so any government can’t remove it. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can no longer see their right to have a say, their right to be heard at the highest levels of law in this country, continue to be a political football tossed between successive governments.  

The time is now. It’s up to us to act

Get up to speed with the information at hand and start talking now with friends and family. 

Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

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