A new Australian Government website provides information on the upcoming referendum to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, covering its purpose, proposed constitutional amendments, historical context, advisory groups, resources. Educate yourself before voting later this year.
In late 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Australian Government have developed a new website to explain the process. It covers questions like:
What is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?
What would the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice do?
What amendments to the Constitution are being voted on?
What is the history of the Voice, including the Uluru Statement from the Heart?
You’ll also find information on the various advisory groups working with the Government on the referendum, latest news on the progress of the Voice, a toolkit containing information and resources you can share with your peers and networks (an example included below), fact sheets and more. There is information in different languages and different formats (e.g. factsheets, infographics, videos and audio).
If you are over 18 and registered to vote in Australia, you will be required to vote in the referendum.
The outcome of this referendum (like all votes to amend the constitution) is important, so I recommend you educate yourself on the topic so you can form an educated opinion before voting later this year.