Navigating The Voice Referendum Australia: Your Guide to the October 14th Decision

Written By Marketing Team

The Voice referendum is swiftly approaching, and your participation on October 14th is crucial. In this era of extensive online information and conflicting messages, you might be experiencing a sense of overwhelm and confusion. Our aim isn’t to influence your decision in any direction, but rather to bring clarity to the essence of the referendum, its potential outcome, provide anecdotal contributions from our Managing Director and to offer you reliable resources for your independent decision making.

In 1967, a pivotal referendum took place in Australia, with more than 90% of Australian voters supporting an amendment to the Constitution. This amendment granted the federal parliament the authority to legislate on matters concerning Indigenous Australians and ensured their inclusion in the national census. However, it’s important to note that this referendum did not acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as first peoples. In 2017, representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities convened to write the Uluru Statement from the Heart, advocating for the inclusion of a First Nations voice in the constitution. The Constitution is commonly regarded as Australia’s founding document, however, it doesn’t recognise or reference Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Professor Megan Davis, member of the Referendum council, reading the Uluru Statement from the Heart, sourced from https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/view-the-statement/ 

Fast forward to 2022, the Australian Government reached an agreement to conduct a referendum, granting Australians the chance to establish the proposed Voice in the constitution. If the referendum is successful, then Indigenous Australians would be recognised within the Constitution. The aim of this recognition would be to acknowledge the unique cultural and historical contributions of Indigenous peoples to the nation and affirm their place as the original custodians of the land.

The Australian Constitution outlines the nation’s governance structure and can only be changed via a referendum. This upcoming October, Australians will cast their votes to determine whether Australia should amend its Constitution to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of Australia by instituting an entity known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

On the ballot, you will encounter the following 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?”

Your choices will be straightforward: ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’

This question can be dissected into two distinct components, each addressing significant issues relating to Indigenous Australians.

Firstly, do you think that Indigenous Australians should be recognised in Australia’s constitution? This raises a fundamental question about the acknowledgement of the historical and ongoing significance of Indigenous cultures, languages, and communities within the nation’s founding document. Such recognition could symbolise a commitment to reconciliation, acknowledging past injustices, and paving the way for more inclusive policies that empower Indigenous communities.

Secondly, do you think that there should be a creation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to parliament? This proposal centres around establishing a Voice that would provide Indigenous Australians with a direct channel to express their concerns and advice at a national level. This voice to parliament aims to ensure that Indigenous perspectives are considered in policy making, especially in areas that directly affect their communities. This is an Indigenous led proposal to address the historical marginalisation and under-representation of Indigenous people in Australia’s political process

These questions are pivotal in the broader conversation about reconciliation, justice, and Indigenous rights in Australia. They engage with the nation’s complex history and the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Public conversation regarding these topics is essential for fostering understanding, consensus, and progress towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all Australians. It’s worth noting that opinions on these matters are diverse and often influenced by a range of cultural, political, and historical factors, making constructive dialogue and deliberation crucial in addressing them.

For the referendum to be successful, it requires a double majority. Firstly, a majority of voters nationwide voting ‘yes’ and secondly a ‘yes’ vote from the majority of voters in at least 4 out of 6 Australian states.

Should the referendum succeed, The Voice would become an independent and permanent advisory body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The Calma-Langton report proposes its’ primary mission and mechanisms would be to provide guidance to the Australian Parliament and Government concerning issues that directly impact the lives of these communities. Indigenous peoples from all regions of Australia have advocated for The Voice to be inclusive, ensuring representation of First Nations Peoples, gender balance, and the active involvement of young people. This advisory body would operate with a commitment to accountability and transparency, offering counsel to the government prior to the formulation of laws and policies affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

There are several misconceptions surrounding the power of The Voice, such as the belief that The Voice would possess veto power, oversee financial matters or service delivery, and have the ability to advocate for program and service enhancements. None of these statements are true; however what holds true is The Voice will provide recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of Australia within the Constitution, the establishment of an Indigenous parliamentary voice, and the requirement for a referendum to actualise these changes. It’s important to recognise that The Voice is driven solely by Indigenous representatives and organised by Indigenous Australians. It is not a government led effort.

Prior to October 14th, when it comes time to have your say, it is important to make sure you are a registered voter, check your enrollment status and keep your personal information up to date. Additionally, if you anticipate being unable to visit polling stations, it is essential to submit an application for a postal vote, as it is a government mandate to exercise your right to vote.

While Winyama as a company remains impartial, Managing Director, Andrew Dowding stands in favour of ‘yes’ to The Voice referendum.

“I am proud to lend my full support to the ‘yes’ vote in The Voice referendum. It is my firm belief that this initiative represents a vital step in our journey towards a more inclusive and equitable society. By embracing The Voice, we demonstrate our commitment to recognising and valuing the diverse voice and experiences within all Indigenous nations. This is important to Indigenous people, as it signifies a genuine effort to empower and uplift our different voices across this vast country, which has too often been blended together with little consultation across diverse types of Indigenous communities. I firmly believe that including an Indigenous voice in our parliament is not only a matter of justice but also a practical decision that will benefit our nation in the long run. By allowing Indigenous leaders from across the country to actively participate in the decision-making process, we can come up with place-based solutions that address the systemic issues that have led to higher rates of health problems and incarceration within Indigenous communities. This proactive approach will not only improve the well-being of Indigenous Australians but also save significant amounts of money in the healthcare and criminal justice systems. It's time to recognise that inclusivity and representation are not just moral imperatives but smart financial choices that will lead to a more equitable and prosperous future for all Australians.

Through my experiences working with Winyama with a wide range of Indigenous communities, I have gained an insight into the significant disadvantages faced by Indigenous Australians. These experiences have opened my eyes to the harsh realities of inadequate access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in these regions. Witnessing firsthand the resilience and strength of these communities in the face of such challenges has deeply impacted me and reinforced my commitment to advocating for positive change and equal opportunities for all Australians. It is evident that there is much work to be done to bridge these disparities and ensure a brighter, more equitable future for Indigenous communities across the country.

Future generations of Indigenous Australians aspire to grow up in a society where they are afforded the same opportunities and privileges as their non-Indigenous peers. They yearn for a future where education, employment, and healthcare are accessible without discrimination or bias. To gain a deeper understanding of this crucial perspective, I highly recommend watching the video ‘Yes makes it possible.’ This enlightening video features young Indigenous Australian asking questions about what will be possible in their future. It serves as a poignant reminder that by fostering equality and inclusion, we can create a brighter and more equitable future for all.”

-Andrew Dowding, Managing Director

Andrew would like you to reflect on Indigenous populations around the world, and how they aim to address the rights and recognition of their communities. 

The United States, Canada and New Zealand have all taken steps to recognise their Indigenous populations within their respective national constitutions. These efforts reflect a commitment to addressing historical injustices and acknowledging the unique rights and status of Indigenous communities.

In examining the New Zealand Treaty recognising Māori people, we gain valuable insights that can shed light on the importance of recognising Indigenous people in a nation's founding documents and the recognition and rights of Indigenous people in that country.

The Treaty of Waitangi is an integral part of New Zealand’s constitutional framework, serving as a guiding document that shapes the relationship between the Crown in New Zealand and Māori people. The Treaty had originally pledged to treat Māori as equal partners with the Government, and though this commitment has not been upheld historically, the Government is now actively striving to address this and ensure that Māori people are involved when laws and important decisions are made.

New Zealand has taken significant strides ahead of Australia in providing a voice to their Indigenous population through the establishment of Māori seats in its parliament. These seats have provided dedicated representation for Māori people. In contrast, Australia has yet to establish a formal voice for Indigenous representation. New Zealand’s proactive approach in addressing Indigenous representation stands as an example of progress in recognising and incorporating the voice of Indigenous communities within a political framework. 

Learning from New Zealand’s commitment to partnership and inclusion can inspire Australia to embark on a similar path of reconciliation, aiming to ensure that Indigenous voices are heard and respected when policies and important decisions are made.

Your participation in the upcoming Voice referendum on October 14th is pivotal. The referendum will decide whether to establish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Australian Constitution. Remember your vote matters, and it’s a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ choice. To succeed, the referendum needs a double majority. Make sure you’re registered to vote and stay informed about the process. This is a significant moment in our nation’s history, and your voice matters.

Resources for independent exploration:

Marketing Team
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