Updated: Jul 14
14 July 2023: Missed the show? Listen back here.
Should indigenous people in this country have a ‘Voice to Parliament’?
Ruth and Phil explore the arguments ‘for and against’. They will clarify exactly what is meant by a ‘Voice to Parliament’ to provide an accurate understanding of what is being proposed, and if it goes ahead, what it will mean for all Australians.
“It’s important that we dispel all myths that are muddying the waters to ensure we know what we’re voting for, whether it be in support of a Voice or against, at the referendum later this year.”
Here is the question to be put to the Australian People at a Referendum later this year:
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?
The proposed alteration 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:
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.
This will be the first in a series of EarthChat conversations leading up to the referendum, with the intention of highlighting the many views that are being expressed by us all be they in support of or in opposition to a Voice to Parliament.
