More about a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are asking us to support a modest change that will make a practical difference so we can move forward together.
Constitutional recognition in the form of a Voice will mean fewer wasted resources, less party politics and real results. This is an opportunity for all Australians to come together and contribute to building a stronger, fairer nation.
In 2015, then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten, appointed a Referendum Council to advise on progress toward a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the constitution. Between December 2016 and May 2017 there were 13 regional dialogues (or meetings) with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to discuss, understand and prioritise options for recognition – including on how to formally ‘recognise’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.
After those meetings, in May 2017, there was a conference from all around Australia at Uluru, that’s when the The Statement from the Heart was signed. The Voice to Parliament is the first action from that Statement.
Our National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Caucus previously endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart and this year reinforced their commitment to the first practical step in that by supporting a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
To get involved, email [email protected].