Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the proposed question Australians will be asked at this year’s referendum and the draft constitutional amendment that would enable an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Source: ABC News.
Mr Albanese said the Referendum Working Group had landed on the 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?”
As well as that, it will be put to Australians that the constitution be amended to include a new chapter titled “Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples”.
The details would be:
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
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 the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth 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 matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.
Mr Albanese made a tearful plea to Australians to support the Voice, saying it would help achieve better outcomes for First Nations people.
“All of us can own an equal share of what I believe will be an inspiring and unifying Australian moment.”
The wording announced on Thursday is not set in stone, though, and it could go through further changes when it is considered by Parliament.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called for the Solicitor-General’s advice on the wording of the Voice referendum to be made public.
Mr Dutton said the Liberal Party had not made a decision about whether it would support the Voice.
FULL STORY
Voice to Parliament referendum question and constitutional amendment announced (By Georgia Hitch, ABC News)
