The Voice to Parliament – What does it Really Mean?

Our next visit to the polling booths will be to vote Yes or No to the Voice to Parliament question.  Some questions you may ask and the government’s response to them  are…….

What is the question I will be voting on?
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?

What would an Indigenous Voice to Parliament be?
It would be a permanent body representing First Nations people that would advise government about policies affecting Indigenous people.
The Voice would be an advisory body, but it would not have powers to overrule parliament, commonly known as “veto” powers.

How would the constitution change?
If the referendum is successful, the constitution will be amended to add a new chapter, “Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples”, which will include this wording:
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.

As a citizen of Australia, my response to the government’s responses is to find them woefully inadequate.  Please join us at our next Voting Matters meeting to fully understand the issue.

You can help to  spread the word with this notice and please tell everyone that