It’s time to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.
In 2023, Australians will participate in a referendum aimed at acknowledging First Nations peoples in the Constitution through the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. This Voice will function as an independent and representative advisory body for First Nations individuals, enabling them to provide ongoing advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on issues that affect them.
The push for constitutional recognition of First Nations peoples has been ongoing for many decades. In 2017, this movement gained significant momentum with the release of the Uluru Statement From The Heart. This statement extends an invitation to all Australians to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in building a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament that is protected by the Constitution, as well as establishing a Makarrata Commission that will facilitate treaty-making and truth-telling.