The Constitution can only be changed by ‘double majority’ approval at a referendum. This means a majority of voters in at least four states, and a majority of voters nationally, must vote ‘yes’ in favour of the change.
 

If the referendum succeeds, the fact of constitutional recognition Indigenous Australians through a new Voice partnership will be permanent. But Australia can continue to perfect its new Voice partnership using the parliament to make any legislative changes needed over time.

 

The referendum is not about the details of the Voice model. The details – what the Voice will look like, how the Voice will operate, and how Indigenous people will choose their Voice members – will be set out in legislation by the Parliament. The details do not go in the constitution, they belong in legislation so an Indigenous Voice can change and evolve as we all learn, and our partnership continues to develop.

 

What is the Uluru Statement?

 

The Uluru Statement is a combination of 15 years of engagement and conversations with over 1200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on constitutional recognition. In 2017 at the National Constitutional Convention at Uluru almost all the 250 delegates endorsed constitutional recognition through a guaranteed Voice. This was the most important consultation process of First Nations peoples that Australia has seen. A change to the Constitution requires a referendum. With the operational details of the Voice set out in legislation, changes can be made from time to time as required.

 

How will the Voice work?

A Voice will empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to provide advice on laws and policies that affect us through a constitutionally recognised representative body. The Voice would consist of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from across the country and be separate from the Australian Parliament.

 

Details have not been settled yet, but a Voice model will allow representatives to be chosen by local communities. In advising on legislation and headline policy, the National Voice can provide direct representation and a link to the experience and understanding of Indigenous Australians from local communities across our diverse Voice regions. Locally designed local voice arrangements will enable broad and inclusive participation of people on the ground in development planning and decision making in partnership with governments.
 

Our Elders, elected, cultural, youth and family leaders can work directly with governments to achieve local priorities through the Voice partnership. E.g., local input into decision making about services can reduce duplication and waste by ensuring funding is better directed to meet community needs.
 

How do I prepare for the Voice referendum?

Enrol to vote

• You’ll need to be enrolled to vote in the referendum when it is announced. Make sure your details are up to date on the Australian Electoral Commission. 
   

Keep reading more about the Voice to Parliament

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

• Uluru Statement from the Heart

• Yes23