News archive
Referendum News from
Jun 22 – Oct 23
26 September 2023 ABC: Prime minister proposes joint parliamentary committee if Voice to Parliament is successful
Politicians from across the divide will be involved in developing the Voice to Parliament if the referendum succeeds, but the opposition has cast doubt on the process. Click here to view
5 October 2023 National Indigenous Times: Central Land Council delegates vote Yes at Uluru
Elected grass-roots representatives of remote communities in Central Australia have used their most recent council meeting near Uluru to vote Yes to a Voice to parliament. Click here to view
22 September 2023 The Guardian Australia: The astonishing lies of the no campaign burn like lurid rockets in our sky. We must not go saying no by Thomas Keneally
can’t believe this old line is running wild again. We have had land rights decisions (“They’re gonna take your house and barbecue pit, mate”); the Mabo decision (Again, “They’re gonna take, etc,”); followed by the Wik judgment of 1996 (“Mate, your swimming pool too!”); and now that crude three-times-disproved claim is back, with all the other astonishing lies. They burn like lurid rockets in our sky. And those who launch them, knowing that they will harm all who gaze upon them, are proud of them! Yet if in a public setting you accused these folk of being dishonest, they’d want to fight you to assert their honour.
They pretend that the new advisory body, the voice, representing 3% of us, will persuade the government to pass some berserk law that will disadvantage the other 97% of the vote and thus be sure to lose power at the next election! And in the gloom of mendacity, the small plea of First Nations people burns on: let us counsel you on what will work for us. In health, housing, schooling let us help ensure against waste and ill-aimed expensive policies that have no chance of working. And help us live as long as you. Click here to view
25 September 2023 The Conversation : Is it ethical non-Indigenous people get to decide on the Voice? Is it OK for one group to have rights others don’t? An ethicist weighs in
Australians will soon be asked to vote on whether we should “alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice”. Click here to view
19 September 2023 SBS: Could these Nordic parliaments give a glimpse of what to expect from the Voice?
Sweden, Finland and Norway all have representative bodies for the Indigenous Sámi people. This is how they work. Click here to view
30 August 2023 The Conversation: How do the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ cases stack up? Constitutional law experts take a look
In the coming weeks, Australians will be asked to vote “yes” or “no” to the constitutional amendment to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through establishing a body known as the Voice.. Click here to view
25 August 2023 Pearls and Irritations : The Voice: walking with the Australian people for a better future. By Henry Reynolds
When on the 7th of February 1788 the British claimed the eastern half of Australia they left us with two abiding problems. They assumed that the First Nations were not in actual possession of their own homelands and that they had neither laws nor customs which could be given formal recognition. As a result they departed from what had been customary practice in North America of respecting what was called Indian title to traditional property and determining that the indigenous tribes held a form of internal sovereignty. They were ‘domestic dependent nations’ with whom many treaties were negotiated. The anomalous situation in New South Wales was noted by Jeremy Bentham, the leading political philosopher of the time. He wrote in 1792 that there had been no negotiations with the Aborigines and no treaties had been drafted and signed. He predicted that this would create enduring problems.’ The flaw’, he wrote,’ is an incurable one.’ Click here to view
22 August 2023 National Indigenous Times: ‘Patriot’ Pat Farmer arrives in Sydney to back Voice
Mr Farmer arrived at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday morning, as part of his almost 15,000 kilometre run around Australia in support of the referendum. Click here to view
21 August 2023 National Indigenous Times : ‘Your Answer Matters’: AEC launches major campaign ahead of Voice referendum
The Australian Electoral Commission has commenced the main phase of its referendum education drive with the launch of the Your Answer Matters campaign. Click here to view
20 August 2023 SBS: President and Founder of Turbans 4 Australia, 2023 Australian of the Year Local Hero and Chair Diversity Now Australia, Amar Singh has set of on a 2 month trip around the country.
Amar Singh will cover 25, 000 kilometres as he travels around Australia to encourage people from multicultural backgrounds to support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the upcoming Referendum. Click here to view
14 August 2023 The Conversation: Qantas throws weight behind Voice with travel for ‘yes’ campaigners
Qantas is providing travel for the Yes23 campaign and the Uluru Dialogue teams “so they can engage with regional and remote Australians”. Click here to view
11 August 2023 ABC: Have you come across any misinformation about the Voice to Parliament? Tell us
The referendum will be a watershed moment for Australians and both sides are working tirelessly to win over voters — but as with all campaigns, misinformation is inevitable. Click here to view and submit misinformation or go directly to form to submit
09 August 2023 SBS NITV: Remote communities will be the first to cast their votes in the Voice referendum
A council of Yolngu leaders has entrusted Indigenous activist Noel Pearson with a special message: take our support for a First Nations voice to Canberra. Click here to view article
06 August 2023 National Indigenous Times : Pearson asked to take ‘yes’ message stick to Canberra
A council of Yolngu leaders has entrusted Indigenous activist Noel Pearson with a special message: take our support for a First Nations voice to Canberra. Click here to view article
05 August 2023 The Guardian Australia : Noel Pearson says Indigenous voice is not about ‘party politics’ and will cut wasteful spending
The prime minister’s Garma speech was the “unequivocal” support for an Indigenous voice to parliament of an Australian leader, not a party politician, the Cape York leader, leading “yes” campaigner and Guugu-Yimithirr lawyer Noel Pearson has said. Click here to view article
06 August 2023 The Guardian Australia: Anthony Albanese vows ‘no delaying or deferring’ of Indigenous voice vote
In Garma speech, PM says there is ‘nothing to fear and everything to gain’ and no vote in referendum would only lead to ‘more of the same’ Click here to view article
05 August 2023 The Saturday Paper : The Pearson interview: ‘How does the elephant sit down with the mouse’
Kerry O’Brien It’s clear that the “Yes” campaign for this referendum has got off to a rocky start. The trend line away from the “Yes” is hard to deny. How do you see yourselves turning that trend around? Click here to view article
04 August 2023 Pearls and Irritations : No joy in ‘I told you so’: the Productivity Commission’s 2023 Closing the Gap Report
Last week the Productivity Commission released its draft Review of the National Closing the Gap Agreement. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap was launched with a lot of fanfare in July 2020, promising a new era of reform and a ‘genuine’ commitment of governments to work in partnership with First Nations peak organisations. Click here to view article
04 August 2023 The Conversation : The Voice is a simple and enduring idea with a past – and a promise
Yet the referendum debate is at risk of inundation, and too often misses the point. While there are many things the Voice cannot do, there is one thing it can do. It offers a permanent, public and culturally distinct way forward for Indigenous consensuses to develop and find their rightful place in national politics. Click here to view article
01 August 2023 The Australian Institute : ‘An Invitation That Should be Accepted – Leading Judges Support the Voice in Open Letter
An eminent group of retired judges have published an open letter to the people of Australia in support of a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on the Voice. Click here to view article / Click here to view Open Letter
26 July 2023 The New Daily: ‘Give it a chance’: Julie Bishop backs Voice to Parliament
Former Liberal deputy Julie Bishop says an Indigenous Voice to Parliament would be a “step in the right direction” and she believes Australians should vote “yes”. Click here to view article
24 July 2023 National Indigenous Times: New website launched to drive national Truth-telling
A new website aimed at empowering Truth-telling in Australia – Towards Truth – was launched Monday morning. Towards Truth is a partnership between the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and the UNSW Indigenous Law Centre (ILC), with significant support from pro bono partners across the legal field. Click here to view article
22 July 2023 SBS: We gave the Voice to Parliament pamphlets to fact checkers. Here’s what they said
The official Yes and No pamphlets in the Voice to Parliament race are now available online, and will soon be landing in Australian mailboxes. But the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is only able to publish the pamphlets as they were submitted, crucially without fact-checking their claims. Click here to view article
18 July 2023 The Guardian Australia: Johnathan Thurston, Eddie Betts and Evonne Goolagong Cawley back yes vote in Indigenous voice pamphlet
Sporting legends Johnathan Thurston, Eddie Betts and Evonne Goolagong Cawley have asked Australians to back the Indigenous voice, adding their names to the official referendum pamphlet to help make the case for a yes vote. Click here to view article
18 July 2023 SBS: What do they say? Can they be trusted? The Voice pamphlets hitting letterboxes, explained
The Yes and No camps in the Voice to Parliament referendum have signed off on their official pamphlets, and every household will get one. Here’s what you need to know. Click here to view article
18 July 2023 National Indigenous Times: Leeser calls out No campaign attacks on high-profile Indigenous Yes campaigners
Coalition MP and former shadow minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser has condemned anti-Voice campaigners, accusing the “no” camp of strategically attacking high-profile Indigenous Australians who are in support of the Indigenous Voice to parliament. Click to view article
18 July 2023 ABC: Constitutional lawyer Greg Craven furious after being quoted in Voice to Parliament No pamphlet
One of the nation’s most prominent constitutional lawyers is furious about being quoted in the official pamphlet for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament’s No campaign, flagging he is likely to make a complaint to the electoral commission. Click to view article
11 July 2023 ABC: Indigenous community’s handling of COVID shows why Voice to Parliament needed, Fiona Stanley says
Former Australian of the Year Fiona Stanley believes Aboriginal people had the best response to COVID-19 “in the world”, and says it proves an Indigenous Voice to Parliament will improve health outcomes for First Nations people. Click to view article
10 July 2023 ABC: Noel Pearson calls for Voice voters to seize ‘momentous’ chance for change
One of Australia’s most prominent Indigenous elders has made a passionate call to arms for the Voice in Queensland, declaring the state “ground zero” for the referendum and urging voters to seize a “momentous” occasion. Click to view article
10 July 2023 The Conversation: Why is it legal to tell lies during the Voice referendum campaign?
Campaigning for the “yes” and “no” sides is well under way. However, misinformation and disinformation are a feature of some of the public discussion. Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney this week even accused the “no” campaign of engaging in “post-truth politics”. Click to view article
06 July 2023 The Conversation: Grattan on Friday: Linda Burney fills the Voice’s in-tray, as the government battles to stop slide in yes vote
In a change of government tactics, Linda Burney this week deployed a sheet anchor to tie the Voice to practical outcomes. At the same time, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is weaponising the cost of living to flail it. Click to view article
05 July 2023 NITV SBS: Here are the four areas Linda Burney wants the Voice to focus on
Linda Burney has given an emotional account of the untimely death of a friend as she sought to explain and bolster support for the Voice to Parliament. Click to view article
05 July 2023 ABC: Indigenous Australians Minister outlines key priorities for the proposed Voice to Parliament
Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney will name four priorities for the proposed Voice to Parliament in a speech to the National Press Club today, after growing pressure to detail how it would benefit First Nations people. Click to view article
02 July 2023 National Indigenous Times : Big yes campaign push nationwide for Voice
Many thousands have turned out at rallies nationwide to back the Indigenous Voice to parliament, with organisers hoping momentum will build despite recent polls showing a decline in the yes vote. Click to view article
27 June 2023 ABC: Megan Davis first read the constitution at age 12. Now she wants to change it to give her people a Voice to Parliament
Megan Davis found an old copy of the Australian Constitution at the back of a book when she was a girl. Thirty years later, she wants to change it to give the Voice to her people. Click to view article
24 June 2023 The Saturday Paper: Thomas Mayo A very simple ‘Yes’
With the fearmongering tactics from sections of the “No” campaign intensifying, the referendum later this year is becoming a question of courage. Click to view article
19 June 2023 ABC: Senate passes referendum plan, cementing Voice to Parliament vote before end of the year
Australians will vote in their first referendum in more than two decades, with the Senate passing legislation to hold a vote on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament later this year. Click to view article
11 June 2023 The Guardian Australia: Indigenous voice crucial to treaty, Uluru statement co-author Megan Davis says
One of the architects of the Uluru statement from the heart has said constitutionally enshrined recognition is crucial to the success of all other treaties and called the voice a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give Indigenous voices legal and social legitimacy. Click to view article
09 June 2023 National Indigenous Times: NT land councils unite to issue historic declaration supporting the Voice and constitutional recognitionoice, treaty, truth: compared to other settler nations, Australia is the exception, not the rule
The four Northern Territory Aboriginal land councils signed the Barunga Voice Declaration on Friday, addressing all Australians and urging them to support a Voice to Parliament. Click here to view article
09 June 2023 The Conversation: Voice, treaty, truth: compared to other settler nations, Australia is the exception, not the rule
For many non-Indigenous Australians, it might seem the Voice to Parliament – the first step in the Uluru Statement’s process of “voice, treaty, truth” – is a recent idea. Conservative voices have framed it as a dangerously untested prospect.But as First Nations have always known, voice, treaty and truth carry long histories. They’ve long been at the centre of Indigenous rights campaigns in Australia. They’ve also existed in other settler nations like New Zealand and Canada where treaties were forged at the point of colonisation. Click here to view article
08 June 2023 Maritime Union Australia press release: MUA launches inspiring film about the Voice to Parliament featuring Indigenous seafarer Vicki Morta
The Maritime Union of Australia’s National Indigenous Officer, Thomas Mayo is the Executive Producer of the new documentary COME WALK WITH US. Mr Mayo is a former wharfie, an author, a signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and a leading voice for the Yes campaign in the lead up to the referendum later this year. Click here to view media release
08 June 2023 The Guardian Australia: Vote Liberal? You should vote yes for an Indigenous voice to parliament
A voice to parliament is fair, practical and constitutionally safe, making it well-aligned with Liberal values. Click here to view article
31 May 2023 ABC: Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum bill passes lower house
The legislation to set up the referendum on enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the constitution has passed the House of Representatives. Click here to view article
29 May 2023 The Conversation: Far from undermining democracy, The Voice will pluralise and enrich Australia’s democratic conversation
One version of this concern is that an Indigenous Voice violates the principle of equal citizenship and equality before the law. Another is that it introduces a divisive form of racial politics into our public life. Some claim it will have little impact on improving the lives of Indigenous people. Yet others say it will have too much power. Click here to view article.
31 May 2023 ABC: Multicultural groups are pledging their support for the Voice, but some people say they still know ‘zero’ about it
Bella Swann occupies a somewhat unique space in Australia — she migrated here more than 50 years ago, but she is also descended from First Nations people. Click here to view article
25 May 2023 National Indigenous Times: Voice wording won’t change – Albanese
In confirming the government would act according to recommendations made by the joint select committee, Mr Albanese said the proposal was backed by years of consultation and was the best possible Voice proposal. Click here to read in full.
18 May 2023 SBS News: AFL and Rugby Australia publicly support the Voice to Parliament
The campaign to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament has gained more support, with the AFL and Rugby Australia both announcing public support for the Yes vote. The AFL issued a statement on social media on Thursday saying it “proudly supports the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution through the Voice to Parliament”. It comes as Rugby Australia announced its support through a full-page ad in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Thursday offering support. Click here to view article.
18 May 2023 SBS News: What is the real question at the heart of the Voice referendum?
The campaign to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament has gained more support, with the AFL and Rugby Australia both announcing public support for the Yes vote. The AFL issued a statement on social media on Thursday saying it “proudly supports the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution through the Voice to Parliament”. It comes as Rugby Australia announced its support through a full-page ad in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Thursday offering support. Click here to view article.
12 May 2023 Labor-led Voice committee endorses the government’s proposed referendum wording
ABC News: A joint parliamentary inquiry examining the constitution alteration bill has released its findings after a six-week inquiry, urging the parliament to endorse Labor’s proposed Voice to Parliament referendum wording. Click here to view article.
18 May 2023 SBS News AFL and Rugby Australia publicly support the Voice to Parliament
The campaign to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament has gained more support, with the AFL and Rugby Australia both announcing public support for the Yes vote. The AFL issued a statement on social media on Thursday saying it “proudly supports the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution through the Voice to Parliament”. It comes as Rugby Australia announced its support through a full-page ad in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Thursday offering support. Click here to view article.
May 9 2023: Clubs show broad support for Voice as responses to AFL’s request for stance trickle in
National Indigenous Times: AFL clubs are handing back marks of support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament following a request from the league for each to advise on their position ahead of the referendum. Click here to view article.
March 2023 ABC News: Why Muslim Australians are likely to support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament
Muslim Australians are particularly supportive of Indigenous Australians. The Islam in Australia survey conducted in 2019 found that reconciliation with Indigenous Australians is an issue about which 82 per cent of Muslim Australians are concerned or very concerned. The study also reported that 94 per cent agree or strongly agree that Indigenous Australians should be recognised in Australia’s Constitution. Click here to view article.
March 2023: Voice from the heart of Australia – The Weekly meets some of the women who have shepherded this idea through its 12-year road to resolution. The Voice means the world to them and they want Australia to understand why.
The Australian Women’s Weekly: As the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ camps settle into their corners, the women at the heart of the campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament answer our most pressing questions and talk us through its rollercoaster ride to a referendum. Click here to view article.
29 April 2023 ABC News: Former federal Liberal minister Ken Wyatt urges Australians on all sides of Voice debate to speak up
Former Indigenous Australians minister Ken Wyatt has encouraged people to inform themselves about the Voice to Parliament, and debate the looming referendum. Click here to view article.
Former federal Liberal minister Ken Wyatt urges Australians on all sides of Voice debate to speak up
29/04/2023 ABC News: Former Indigenous Australians minister Ken Wyatt has encouraged people to inform themselves about the Voice to Parliament, and debate the looming referendum. Click here to view article.
“Should be passed in its current from” – Law Council of Australia confirm constitutional Voice amendment is legally sound
26/04/2023 National Indigenous Times: Law Council of Australia President Luke Murphy said the Council considers the wording of the proposed constitutional amendment “just and legally sound.” Click here to view article.
First Nations people have made a plea for ‘truth-telling’. By reckoning with its past, Australia can finally help improve our future
11/04/2023 The Conversation: Australia has never been good at listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Despite the truths that have already been told in processes like the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody or the Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, time and again governments have ignored recommendations designed to address the impacts of Australia’s settler-colonial past and present. Click here to view article
Torres Strait Islanders and far north Queenslanders back Voice to Parliament, inquiry told
19/04/2023 National Indigenous Times: Torres Strait Islanders and Far North Queenslanders view the voice to parliament as unfinished business, Indigenous leaders have told a parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry into the voice to parliament and executive government held a hearing in Cairns on Wednesday. Click here to view article.
Central Land Council condemns ‘divisive’ politics of Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
21/04/2023 ABC: Central Australia’s peak organisation representing local Indigenous people says the federal opposition’s new shadow minister for Indigenous Australians, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, “neither speaks for them nor listens to them”. Click here to view article.
Solicitor-general’s Voice to Parliament advice released, contradicts Peter Dutton’s claims
21/04/2023 SBS: The solicitor-general says the Voice to Parliament speaking to cabinet would enhance Australia’s democracy, appearing to contradict Opposition leader Peter Dutton’s claim that Labor had overruled his objections. Click here to view article
“The Voice to Parliament is a beginning, not an end”
Wollongong University: Dr Summer May Finlay on the Uluru Statement and Voice to Parliament. Click here to view article
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Professor Marcia Langton on the Voice’s powers and potential
12/04/2023 The Conversation: Marcia Langton has been a fighter for rights and progress for Indigenous Australians for decades, and she’s one of those at the centre of the yes campaign for the Voice. Her own voice is always forthright and formidable. Click here to view article.
“I intend to campaign for ‘yes” – Julian Leeser quits Liberal frontbench over party’s Voice stance
11/04/2023 National Indigenous Times: Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Lesser has quit the Liberal party front bench citing personal opposition to the party’s “no” stance on a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Click here to view article
First Nations people have made a plea for ‘truth-telling’. By reckoning with its past, Australia can finally help improve our future
11/04/2023 The Conversation: Australia has never been good at listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Despite the truths that have already been told in processes like the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody or the Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, time and again governments have ignored recommendations designed to address the impacts of Australia’s settler-colonial past and present. Click here to view article
‘Standing for justice’: Why these Australian Muslims back the Voice to Parliament
10/04/2023 SBS: Some of Australia’s Muslim leaders say they will be using grassroots campaigns to encourage their communities to vote ‘Yes’ in the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum. Click here to view article
Yunupiŋu was a great clan leader, a great family man and very much loved. I wish Australian political leaders could have learned more from him
03/04/23 The Conversation: Dr Yunupiŋu was a magnificent person and a magnificent leader. Most people in Australia who are aware of him know him as a ceremonial leader because of his towering presence leading ceremonies at the Garma Festival for so many years and, most importantly, at events that he himself curated in order to make representations to prime ministers and ministers of Australian governments… Constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians was his idea. Click here to read article
The voice referendum is a turning point. A yes vote will save lives. A no vote will invalidate them
23/03/23 The Guardian: Dr Josie Douglas, Wardaman woman has lived in Alice Springs on Arrernte country for many years says. ‘If the voice referendum succeeds, our sons, daughters and grandchildren will stand proud, part of a united nation where we are involved in shaping our shared destiny’. Click here to read article
View from The Hill: Peter Dutton’s risky call to campaign for ‘No’ in Voice referendum
05/04/2023 The Conversation: Opposition leader Peter Dutton has pledged to campaign against the Voice to Parliament, as the Liberal party overwhelmingly endorsed a “no” position for the forthcoming constitutional referendum. Click here to view article
Dutton, most Coalition MPs absent as Voice to Parliament referendum bill introduced to parliament
30/03/2023 National Indigenous Times: The bill that will trigger this year’s referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament has been introduced in the House of Representatives. Click here to view article
OPINION The Voice: what is it, where did it come from, and what can it achieve?
29/03/2023 UNSW Newsroom: We now know the wording of the Voice referendum and proposed constitutional amendment. But what may have been forgotten is how we got here in the first place – and why it matters. Click here to view article
Emotional PM reveals referendum question wording for Indigenous voice to parliament
View ABC video of Press Conference in full
SA becomes first Australian jurisdiction to create First Nations Voice to Parliament as historic bill passes
A special Sunday sitting of SA Parliament passed the bill creating the Voice, which has been assented to by the governor in a ceremonial meeting of the state’s executive council. Click here to view article
‘I’m here to change the country’: Albanese launches an uncompromising Indigenous voice plan
23/03/23 The Guardian: After a flurry of late night meetings with his referendum working group – including a robust exchange of views about the amendment and the question, and furious and inaccurate public speculation about concessions and compromises – the final form of words announced on Thursday has not shifted significantly from the one Albanese announced at the Garma festival in July last year. Click here to read article.
Click here to view Guardian video
What will Australians be voting on in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum?
23/03/2023 ABC: Australia will hold a referendum later this year on having an Indigenous Voice to Parliament written into the constitution. Click here to view article
What Australia could learn from New Zealand about Indigenous representation
21/03/2023 The Conversation: A referendum will be held later this year to enshrine a First Nations’ Voice to Parliament into the Australian constitution. The draft question for the referendum is “Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?” Click here to view article
‘They want to know how things work’: Pat Dodson buoyed up by first regional Victorian voice forum
16/03/2023 The Guardian Australia: A desire to understand the practicalities behind a voice to parliament was among the top concerns in Ballarat as Pat Dodson held his first Victorian regional forum since the launch of the yes campaign. Click here to view article
Social sector organisations launch Allies for Uluru
Coalition in support of Voice
Media release: National social sector organisations The Fred Hollows Foundation, Oxfam Australia, ACOSS
and ANTAR will launch the Allies for Uluru Coalition in Melbourne today to support a ‘YES’
vote in the upcoming referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
in the Constitution and establish a Voice to Parliament. Click here to view media release
‘White saviours’ accused of finding flaws in voice proposal ‘to stay in spotlight’ by working group member
14/03/23 Guardian Australia: Thomas Mayo says: “We are trying to land on a form of words that will give our people the most powerful voice possible, while also making sure we can still win the referendum,” he said. “We are dealing with the issue of people trying to gain prominence over this matter and act as white saviours. From our experience we know that too often you may fix one problem and they’ll go and find another one just to stay in the spotlight.” Click here to read this article and commentary from two other prominent Referendum Advisory group members.
Country Liberal Party president Lawson Broad quits over party’s opposition to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament
13/03/2023 ABC: The Northern Territory’s Country Liberal Party president has quit both his role and the party over its opposition to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Click here to view article
South Australia set to become first jurisdiction with Indigenous Voice to Parliament
10/03/2023 ABC: The South Australian government looks likely to be the first jurisdiction in Australia to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament at a state level, and supporters are hoping it will serve as an example for the national Voice ahead of the referendum. Click here to view article
The following 5 articles report on the official launch of the YES 23 campaign
Yes23 CAMPAIGN LAUNCH, on Kaurna Country, ADELAIDE 21-23 Feb 2023
Over 300 activists from all corners and sectors of Australia gathered at Tandanya Aboriginal Cultural Institute for the launch of the Voice to Parliament Yes 23 campaign. Organised by From the Heart, the constant buzz was inspiring – from mob to community groups and from unions to corporates. Together, our networking knew no bounds! The launch opened on Tuesday evening with high-energy networking over drinks, and setting the context for three days of creativity! Click here to view article
Newcastle City launch of the Yes23 campaign by Ros Madden and Tracy DeGeer
Hundreds of supporters gathered in Gregson Park, Hamilton to attend the Newcastle launch of the Yes23 campaign on 26 February. A beautiful welcome to country was followed by children dancing, didgeridoo music and, towards the end, enthusiastic speeches by local politicians from three levels of government. Click here to view article
Inner West BBQ for the Voice to Parliament by Ros Bradley
Despite the soaring heat, hundreds turned out on Saturday afternoon 18 February, at Petersham Park for a sausage sizzle and heard three impassioned speakers talk about the Voice to parliament including Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Click here to view article
Voice to Parliament Community Forum Saturday Feb 18, 2023 by Angie Finn
Over 400 people packed the lecture theatre at the University of Technology Sydney on Saturday 18 February 2023, to participate in a Voice to Parliament Community Forum hosted by Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek. View article here
It’s time for the Voice of First Peoples to be recognised and enshrined in our Constitution by Deborah Ruiz-Wall
Policies designed and laws passed that affect the lives of First Nations people must reflect their Voice in Parliament protected by its enshrinement in the Australian Constitution. This was the theme around the ‘Walking Together Uluru Statement from the Heart’ workshop held at the Uniting Church Hall in Springwood last Sunday, February 19. Non-Indigenous and Indigenous residents of the Blue Mountains and Penrith came to the workshop opened by Gundungurra and Darug elder, Aunty Carol Cooper. Click here to view article
Constitutional drafting: Key questions
Australian Public Law: In May 2017, after twelve months of consultation and design and six months of hard work and deliberation through a series of First Nations designed and led dialogues, First Nations people delivered the Uluru Statement from the Heart to the Australian people. The Uluru Statement represents an historic First Nations consensus position on the why and how of constitutional recognition. Click here to read article
Charities can advocate for or against the Voice to Parliament provided they stay within the ACNC’s rules
08/03/2023 ProBono news: The charity regulator has released guidance for charities planning to advocate in the Voice to Parliament debate. Click here to view article
Diverse Faith groups urge Politicians to ‘work together across political divides’ for Voice Referendum
03/03/2023 mnnews.today: A powerful coalition of national religious and ethno-religious organisations has sent a joint open letter to all federal parliamentarians, calling on politicians to co-operate across political divides in support of the upcoming Voice referendum. Click here to view article
90 years ago, Yorta Yorta leader William Cooper petitioned the king for Aboriginal representation in parliament
03/03/2023 The Conversation: What Cooper was asking for was a means by which Australia’s lawmakers could be informed of the views of Aboriginal people. He believed this fundamentally important to his people’s wellbeing, because he knew those who governed their lives acted without any consideration of their views. Click here to view article
Ken Wyatt calls on Peter Dutton to give Liberals a conscience vote on the Voice to Parliament
01/03/2023 ABC The Drum: Former Liberal minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt has called on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to hold a conscience vote among the Liberal party on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Click here to view article
OPINION: by Linda Burney: 3 simple reasons the Voice will make a difference
28/02/2023 SBS NITV: What a week!I’ve travelled across our great country and I’m overwhelmed and heartened by the incredible support among Australians for a Voice for our people.The Week of Action marked the beginning of conversations, about what the Voice is, why it’s needed and how it will make a difference. Click here to view article
Philanthropy backs Voice
27/02/2023 ProBono Australia: The Yes campaign for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament is getting a boost, with a sizeable donation from the philanthropic community. Click here to view article
Workshop on Voice to Parliament held in Springwood
24/02/2023 Blue Mountains Gazette: Blue Mountains residents have heard the case for a Voice to Parliament at a workshop held at the Uniting Church Hall in Springwood.Held on February 19, non-Indigenous and Indigenous residents of the Blue Mountains and Penrith came to the workshop which was opened by Gundungurra and Darug elder, Aunty Carol Cooper. Click here to read article
For a lot of First Nations peoples, debates around the Voice to Parliament are not about a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’
22/02/2023 The Conversation: A referendum to vote on a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament will be happening later this year. This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese kicked off a national week of action for the referendum. He and other public figures are holding information sessions across the country in the hope of garnering support for the Voice. However, Invasion Day rallies this year have shown some Indigenous communities oppose the referendum, and a constitutionally enshrined Voice. Click here to read article
Yes campaign for Indigenous Voice to Parliament launches with announcement of multi-million-dollar donation
23/02/2023 ABC: The Yes campaign for an Indigenous Voice to parliament has officially launched in Adelaide, with a multi-million-dollar donation kicking off fundraising efforts. Click here to view
The idea of a Voice to parliament is not new. Aboriginal activists demanded one almost 100 years ago
20/02/23 SBS NITV: If the calls for Aboriginal political representation had been heeded in 1924, we would not be suffering the disadvantage that still hovers over Aboriginal lives today, writes John Maynard. Click here to view article
Many of my own people tell me they don’t understand the Voice; by Stan Grant
18/02/23 ABC: Are we nothing? Are we just fence posts by the side of the road? Aunty Patty Undi sitting next to me is talking on our country. In a place of our ancestors. Click here to view article
Why three MPs are supporting the Uluru statement across party lines
18/02/23 The Guardian Australia: Political editor Katharine Murphy speaks to Labor MP Gordon Reid, Liberal MP Bridget Archer and crossbencher Allegra Spender about the launch of their new Friends of the Uluru Statement group in Parliament House. Click here to listen to podcast
Indigenous delegation seeks multi partisan support on Voice in Canberra
10/02/23 First Nations Telegraph: Chair of Empowered Communities, Ian Trust leads a delegation of Indigenous people from across urban, regional, and remote Australia to Canberra this week. “We have come here to try and make sure politicians of all persuasions understand the vital importance of constitutional recognition through Voice for our futures and the futures of families and loved ones, and for the future of the nation”. Click here to view article
Every Premier and Chief Minister in Australia unite to back Indigenous Voice to Parliament
03/02/23 National Indigenous Times: All state and territory leaders in Australia have officially backed the Indigenous Voice to Parliament…..The premiers and chief ministers also vowed to combat misinformation and strive for a respectful national conversation. Click here to view article
38 Mayors across Australia declare support for the Uluru Statement
Thirty-eight Mayors from 7 states and territories, have committed to civic education of their communities about the importance of the referendum.” “We are all ready to help inform and educate our communities about the Uluru Statement and create conversations about the referendum in suburbs and towns throughout Australia.” Click here to view media release
As we debate the Indigenous Voice to Parliament there is one word missing: Compassion
05/02/23 ABC News: On Q+A this week we devoted an hour to the many and varied views on the Voice, from no to yes, from sovereignty and treaty to justice and law and politics, but not once did anyone utter the word compassion. Without compassion how can we begin to bear the weight of Australia’s great sin? How can we begin to move toward healing, truth or forgiveness without first compassion? Click here to view article
What’s at stake in this year’s constitutional referendum?
26/01/23 The Minefield ABC Radio National: This 46 min program canvasses the history of referenda in Australia. At the count of 27.55 mins the Guest Speaker Mark McKenna is introduced. Click here to view
Liberal premiers break ranks with Peter Dutton as states back Voice to Parliament
03/02/2023 SBS: Two Liberal premiers have broken ranks with their federal colleagues, joining the other state and territory leaders to declare their support for a Voice to Parliament. Click here to view article
Australia Day: a long perspective from 65,000 BCE
28/01/23 Pearls and Irritations: Barry Jones presents a succint long view from 65000 years ago to what we need to do in 2023. He ends with: ‘The 1967 Referendum was a valuable first step, the Mabo judgment of 1992 was a second – but we must now complete the job. This is not just for the benefit of First Nations people, it is an essential element of being honest with ourselves, to fulfil the human potential of all of us. Click here to view article
In the clamour and confusion around the Indigenous voice, the media has a special responsibility
27/01/23 The Guardian Australia: This is a complex discussion, weighted by being 235 years overdue. It demands, but all too often lacks, perspective and nuance. Opposing voices are coming from both the far left and the right. For many voters, reaching a considered decision will require far more backstory. Click here to view article
Constitutional recognition has a long history. How did we get here?
25/01/2023 SBS NITV: The country’s founding document makes no mention of Indigenous people or prohibiting racism. The fight to change that and enshrine Blak sovereignty goes back to invasion. Click here to view article
OPINION: Australians will see through the tricks and mind games of Voice naysayers
24/01/23 SBS NITV: I’m confident that when Australians vote on the Voice they will do the right thing by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and leave the oppressors in the Stone Age where they belong, writes Jill Gallagher. click here to view article
Voice will empower us, not undermine Sovereignty
16/01/2023 National Indigenous Times: I first learnt about Aboriginal sovereignty as a law student in the 1990s – the WA government was introducing harsh new criminal laws known as the ‘three strikes‘ laws and we decided to protest nationally. We had permission from the Tent Embassy in Canberra to arrive at the embassy to protest these racist laws which harm our children to this day. I arrived with several Noongar youth at risk from such laws, which continue to incarcerate our children in WA and Northern Territory today. Click here to view article
PM Albanese slams Peter Dutton after Opposition Leader’s call for “more detail” on Voice rings hollow
09/01/2023 National Indigenous Times: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has slammed Peter Dutton over “a cheap culture war stunt” after the Opposition Leader’s letter demanding more detail on the Voice to Parliament was given to the media before the PM. Click here to view article
Indigenous voice to parliament: groups to launch grassroots referendum campaigns
03/01/2023 The Guardian Australia: The leading organisations for the yes and no campaigns in the Indigenous voice to parliament referendum will officially launch in February, recruiting volunteers and kicking off a fight that will run for at least six months. Click here to view article
“Ready for Change” Linda Burney unveils draft date for Indigenous Voice Referendum.
01/01/2023 SBS: Australians could be heading to the polls as early as August to vote on whether an Indigenous voice to parliament should be constitutionally enshrined. Click here to view article.
Anthony Albanese promises to deliver Voice referendum by December 2023
28/12/22 ABC: The PM made the announcement while addressing the Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, in a speech that paid homage to former prime minister Bob Hawke. Click here to view article
Federal Calare MP Andrew Gee quits National Party over Indigenous Voice to Parliament opposition
23/12/22 ABC: The federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, is resigning from the National Party effective immediately over its opposition to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Click here to view article
Dr Dylan Lino – Voice, Sovereignty and Constitutional Change
14/12/22 SEARCH Foundation: Dr Dylan Lino was a member of the team that provided legal advice to the Uluru Dialogue. He spoke to us and took questions on what the Voice means for sovereignty, on why it comes first in the Voice Treaty Truth sequence, and how change to the constitution has historically led to further positive changes for First Nations peoples. Click here to listen
Why the Voice is an economic as well as a moral imperative
08/12/22 The New Daily: The first attempt at an Indigenous voice to Parliament was in 1934 – the Australian Aborigines League unsuccessfully petitioned King George V, with 1814 signatures, for the ‘Representation of Aboriginal people in Federal Parliament’. Click here to view article
The People must design the Voice
28/11/22 National Indigenous Times: Pat Anderson and Megan Davis explain: ‘We say that this must be a process in which First Nations select their representatives and are fully apprised of all design options. This further process, to take place immediately after a referendum, is essential for the legitimacy and therefore success of the Voice’. Click here to view article
For the Indigenous Voice referendum to pass, Australians need a better understanding of why they’re voting on it
25/11/22 ABC: The focus group ended by discussing an Indigenous voice to Parliament. They were asked if they’d heard of the proposal and how they would vote. Click here to view article
Superfecta: Reflections from ‘Meetings’ with remarkable Australian leaders
24/11/22 Women’s Reconciliation Network: Readers Contribution by Sheilagh Kelly; Oh, what an amazing series of inspirational addresses I have been privileged to hear, see, or listen to digitally over the last month or so. Truly what a Superfecta! Perhaps the number of these talks coming in such quick succession has been coincidental but the cumulative impact at least on me has been profound so much so that I wish to share them with as many others as possible hence this Readers Contribution. Click here to view article
A YES vote – Grassroots and corporate working & walking together
22/11/22 Women’s Reconciliation Network: Readers Contribution by Robyn Hutchinson; Four public addresses all delivered by remarkable First Nations leaders from different generations. All speak of ‘where we are as a nation today and what lies ahead for us all’; all reference the request to the Australian people to walk with First Nations people as articulated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Click here to view article
Megan Davis and Pat Anderson on The Uluru Statement from the Heart
09/11/22 National Press Club Address ABC TV iView: Click here to view
How five young Indigenous people feel about the Voice to Parliament — in their own words
05/11/22 ABC: Five years ago, more than 250 Indigenous leaders signed off on the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Click here to view article
Report on first meetings of Referendum Working Group & Referendum Engagement Group
29/09/22 Attorney General Office Media Release: Click here to view media release
First Nations voice to parliament a step closer in South Australia with release of draft bill
09/11/22 National Indigenous Times: South Australia is set to become Australia’s first state or territory to legislate a First Nations Voice to state parliament after the South Australian Government’s released its draft First Nations voice bill. Click here to view article
Dr Charles Perkins Oration 2022
A powerful oration delivered by First Nations climate activist, campaigner and proud Widjabil Wia-bul woman Larissa Baldwin, who speaks on climate change, the referendum and the need for positive systemic change. Click here to listen
Privileged leaders need to step aside to ensure once-exploited voices are heard loud and clear
28/10/22 National Indigenous Times: If you are, like me, a white person born in Australia, or any other former colony, that is precisely the case. It doesn’t mean you’re a white supremacist, but it does mean that you benefit from racist systems and culture. It’s not an easy pill to swallow, I’ve choked on it many times, but you can’t clean a house unless you look directly at all the stains. click here to view article
Boyer Lectures 2022: Noel Pearson
27/10/22 ABC TV Iview: In this first of a series of four lectures, Indigenous community leader, lawyer, academic and land rights activist Noel Pearson reflects on “Who we were and who we can be”, in his 2022 Boyer Lecture. click here to view
$75m for Indigenous voice referendum and $5m for truth-telling commission pledged in federal budget
25/10/22 The Guardian: The government’s preparations for an Indigenous voice to parliament will be supported with $75m to start setting up the referendum, as well as extending tax deductibility to donations to a leading constitutional recognition group backing the change. The Albanese government’s first federal budget also contains millions for Indigenous birthing practices, to set up a Makarrata truth-telling commission, and to mark the anniversary of Kevin Rudd’s apology to the stolen generations. click here to view article
Why a First Nations Voice should come before Treaty
21/10/22 The Conversation: Since the advent of colonisation, the absence of an effective process for conducting dialogues between the broader community and First Nations people has been a festering sore at the heart of Australian society. {A Voice} can not only lay a foundation for a movement towards reconciliation and truth, but also act as a tool to craft novel solutions to the problems created by the unique circumstances of Australia’s history and culture. click here to view
Green antics on Voice to Parliament look increasingly like game-playing and self-indulgence
14/10/22 Crikey: What exactly is the Greens’ position on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament? We know their formal position is an Uluru-statement-is-wrong argument that a Voice should come last after “truth” and “treaty”. But what about the government’s intention to hold a referendum on an Indigenous Voice? It seems to depend on whom you ask and what day of the week.
Voice to correct the legacy of ‘unfairness and discrimination’ says Linda Burney
13/10/22 SBS NITV: “Despite inhabiting this land for more than 60,000 years, we have no place in the constitution,” Minister Burney said, in pre-prepared remarks to an Indigenous advocacy dinner in Canberra. “It’s like we never existed. Never mattered. Never counted. Ms Burney said respect and consultation with Indigenous communities would lead to better outcomes, and help correct the legacy of “unfairness and discrimination”
Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTAR) 25th Anniversary Dinner
12/10/22 Ministers Media Centre: The Minister for Aboriginal Australians, the Hon Linda Burney, addressed a dinner gathering at a celebration of the 25 years that ANTaR has been advocating for rights and justice for First Nations peoples. After acknowledging the work of ANTaR supporters around the country the Minister said that she wanted to talk about the referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament in our Constitution. She spoke to three key questions that are vital to ensuring a successful referendum:
An invitation to listen: What is the Uluru Statement from the heart by Thomas Mayor
29/08/2022 Australian Geographic: Thomas Mayor, ambassador for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and advocate for a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution, invites us all to walk in a spirit of reconciliation with First Nations Australians as they strive for a better and brighter future.
https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2022/08/an-invitation-to-listen/
Voice – Treaty – Truth Campaign Update
Message from Thomas Mayor
With acknowledgment and thanks to SEARCH FOUNDATION for production of this video update. For more information on SEARCH Voice Treaty Truth Working group see: https://www.search.org.au/volunteer?splash=1
To listen to update Message from Thomas Mayor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPObzqp9U5w
Linda Burney outlines next referendum steps including working group with Ken Wyatt
08/09/22 SBS/NITV: Ms Burney has outlined a “working group of First Nations leaders” with Senator Pat Dodson and herself as co-chairs, that will collaborate with the government to consider and navigate “the big questions” in the next following months. The work of this group will be complemented by the work of a second group, the referendum engagement group that will work to engage First Nations communities and advocate for the Voice to Parliament to raise awareness, understanding and support.
Uluru Statement from the Heart’s Voice aims to change the course of Australia’s parliament. Here’s how
18/08/22 SBS: The Uluru Statement from the Heart’s Voice to Parliament has dominated the headlines ever since Anthony Albanese uttered his first words as the country’s new prime minister-elect. “On behalf of the Australian Labor Party, I commit to the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full,” he said on 21 May, moments after winning the federal election, and promised a referendum on the Voice will be held in the Labor government’s first term. Within days, the country’s new Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney said Australia is ready for the referendum.
I will be voting yes to establish an Indigenous voice to parliament: Malcolm Turnbull
15/08/22 The Guardian Australia: Despite my previous concerns, the voice as proposed by Anthony Albanese won’t be a third chamber, and it has sufficient public support.
Prime Minister’s speech: Address to Garma Festival 30th July 2022
Ngarra ga Buku guru-pan Gumatj, Yothu Yindi nha go Yolgnu mala. (Translation: I pay my respect to Gumatj, Yothu Yindi and Yolngu Mala.] I acknowledge the people of the Yolngu nation. I recognise all the elders, leaders and families who have made great contributions to our nation.
Full transcript https://www.pm.gov.au/media/address-garma-festival
Voice process won’t be rushed, says Linda Burney
01/08/22 SBS NITV: Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney has declared the government’s intention to go cautiously on the Voice to Parliament, as momentum builds towards a referendum on the issue.
After more than 200 years of waiting, Albanese puts forward a ‘simple’ proposition for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament
30/07/22 ABC: It is difficult to articulate the level of collective frustration and anxiety that has built up in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia as government after government has kicked the can down the road — talking big but delivering little to empower First Australians in the Constitution.
Statement from the Heart is a gift to the nation, not a grab for power by Waleed Aly
29/07/22 SMH: There is something admirable about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s full-throated support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Not so much its passion as its clarity.
A voice of recognition by Professor Megan Davis: co-chair Uluru Dialogue
The Australian: The advocacy by First Nations people for an enhanced role in the democratic life of the Australian state has its genesis in the time of colonial parliaments, before Federation, as Indigenous leaders called for the right to have a say in laws and policies about their people as they grappled with an ever increasing body count on the frontier and their land was rapidly being dispossessed.
Charlie King interviews Thomas Mayor on his life experiences leading to his commitment to the Uluru Statement of the Heart Voice Campaign
06/07/22 ABC: A few years ago Thomas was invited to attend a dialogue about beginning the process of Constitutional recognition for Indigenous people, a process which led to the creation of the history-making Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017.