Albanese, standing alongside the Referendum Working Group, said the question would 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?”
Albanese teared up at times as he presented the referendum question and the principles of the Voice to a packed media room.я╗┐
“я╗┐It will help governments and parliaments make better decisions and need better outcomes,” he said.
“And we need better outcomes because it’s not good enough where we’re at in 2023.”я╗┐
The Voice, he confirmed again, would not in any way supplant parliament as a decision-making body.
It would give independent advice on issues that affected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The members of the Voice, he said, will я╗┐be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, rather than imposed by the government.
It will be “representative”, with a gender balance, members from every state and territory, and specific representatives of remote communities.я╗┐
And it will, Albanese said, be “transparent and accountable”.я╗┐
“This should be above party politics,” he said.
“If this doesn’t happen now, when will it occur? When will it happen?”
Senator Patrick Dodson я╗┐said the referendum would require the support of “all Australians”.
“We need your help for all Australians to see the significance of this moment, with this level of unity here, this level of magnanimity, that we as Australians can arise to a better relationship with our first peoples,” he said.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney said today was “historic”.
“Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution will be a simple, but powerful, actя╗┐,” she said.
“And so today the starter’s gun has been fired. Let us get on with the campaign to deliver a ‘yes’ vote in this constitution to be held later this year.я╗┐”
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?я╗┐
The proposed addition to the Constitution
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;
- 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.”
The principles of the Voice
The Voice will adhere to eight principles, Wirdi man and working group member Tony я╗┐McAvoy KC said.
1. The Voice will give independent advice to parliament and government.
2. The Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities.
3. The Voice will be represenative of Indigenous communities, with a gender balance and youth.
я╗┐4. The Voice will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful, and culturally informed.
5. The Voice will be accountable and transparent.
6. The Voice will work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures.
7. The Voice will not have a program delivery function.
8. The Voice will not have a veto power.
