A referendum to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution using an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice will be put to the people of Australia in 2023 so that they can have their say in the matter.
People from First Nations will be represented by an independent and representative advisory body called The Voice. It will give a permanent way of advising the Australian Parliament and the Australian Government on perspectives of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people on issues that concern them.
The Voice is an organization that is going to: Offer impartial advice to both the Parliament and the Government; Be selected by people from First Nations based on the desires of local communities; be a representative of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities; and be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful, culturally informed, and gender-balanced; include youth; be accountable and transparent; and work in conjunction with existing organizations and traditional structures.
Legislation passed by Parliament would establish the Constitution and functions of the Voice, and members of the Voice would be selected by members of First Nations communities.
The Government is committed to carrying out the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the referendum is a part of that commitment.
