The Voice Australia

REFERENDUM QUESTION
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?
YES OR NO

Text of the proposed alteration of the Constitution
Schedule 1 of the Bill sets out the text of the proposed alteration to the Constitution. Item 2 inserts a new chapter heading and proposed section 129 that would be inserted into the Constitution. The text reads:

Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
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;
(iii) 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.

Proposed section 129 has four key features. It:

recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia
establishes constitutional authority for the existence of a body, known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (the Voice)
provides that the Voice may make representations to both the Parliament and the Executive on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and
provides that Parliament may legislate on matters relating to the voice.

FAQs

What is the Voice?

The basic premise is to add another level of bureaucracy, creating an indigeneous advisory body to parliament.This 'advisory' body would be consulted on legislative matters that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Why does it need to be added to the constitution?

The current government claims that enshrining it into the constitution will protect it from potentially being abolished by future governments.

What changes will be made to the constitution?

This is not clear and has not been set out, other than a recommendation.
The federal government will recommend three sentences be added:
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 parliament and the executive government 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 the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice.

Why does the government refuse to give exact details?

The government believes that providing only one model prior to the referendum, could reduce the YES vote.
'there is a danger that providing a full, detailed model of the Voice prior to a referendum entrenches this model,' (from ulurustatement.org)

Are there already indigenous representatives in parliament?

There are 11 members in the senate as well as the House of Representatives, who identify as indigenous, including the current minister for indigenous affairs. This means indigenous are already over-represented, on population percentages.

Why do some indigenous leaders oppose the voice?

Many indigenous leaders believe that it is presumtuous to assume the voice can effectively represent the many different viewpoints. Not all who identify as indigenous, think the same.

Senator Price, Mr Mundine and Mr Johns:
'The Albanese government's proposed voice in the Australian constitution is the wrong way to recognise Aboriginal people, or help Aborigines in need,' they said.
'The voice proposal smacks of the paternalism of an earlier time, without proof that it will help those in need.'

What percentage of Australians identifies as indigenous?

The latest census figures put the indigenous population at 3.2%. This however increases significantly every year since there are no official protocols to determine whether a claimant is actually indigenous or not.

How much does the government spend on indigenous welfare?

The government currently spends in excess of $30 billion annually on indigenous welfare and other projects.

How much extra will this cost?

No budget has been set out, largely due to the fact that the exact model has not been determined yet.

Is the concept of the Voice racist?

The Voice will provide recognition in the constitution, and representation in parliament, for one particular race only.
This is viewed by many as 'racist'.
The Racial Discrimination Act of 1975 defines “racial discrimination” as 'any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.'

Who decides who sits on the various panels?