Voice to Parliament
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
On Saturday, 14 October 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Voters will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a single question. The question on the ballot paper will be:
“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?”
Woodville Alliance statement of support for the Voice to Parliament
Australia’s rich and unique history begins with 65,000 years of continuous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural connection to this great land. However, our 122-year-old constitution does not acknowledge their ancient connection to these lands – and now is our chance to fix this.
Woodville Alliance supports a Yes vote in the 2023 referendum to alter the constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Voice to Parliament.
Across the Australian community there are a range of views and feelings about the Voice Referendum. Aligned with our values, we encourage compassion and respect as we navigate this important decision together. We are committed to a continued journey of reconciliation and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about matters affecting their communities, so that together we can all live our best life.
What happens if the referendum passes?
After the referendum, there will be a process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the Parliament and the broader public to settle the Voice design.
Legislation to establish the Voice will then go through standard parliamentary processes to ensure adequate scrutiny by elected representatives in both houses of Parliament.
Voice Principles
- The Voice will give independent advice to the Parliament and Government
- The Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities
- The Voice will be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, gender balanced and include youth
- The Voice will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful and culturally informed
- The Voice will be accountable and transparent
- The Voice will work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures
- The Voice would be able to make representations about improving programs and services, but it would not manage money or deliver services.
- The Voice will not have a veto power
More information
Official referendum 2023 pamphlet (aec.gov.au)
Multicultural Australia For Voice
Uluru Statement from the Heart
National Indigenous Australians Agency (niaa.gov.au)
FPDN– Network for Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with disabilities