Australia’s Indigenous voice to parliament referendum explained in 30 seconds

Australians will decide later this year if they will change their constitution to allow an Indigenous consultative body to advise on laws and policies

Australia’s Indigenous voice to parliament referendum explained in 30 seconds -0
Australia will vote in a referendum on whether to establish an Indigenous voice in the country’s constitution. Composite: Getty / AAP

Australia’s Indigenous people have faced a long and painful history of colonisation and dispossession. The country’s First Nations people often experience the worst outcomes in health, employment, social and emotional wellbeing and incarceration rates – with efforts to close the gap between Indigenous Australians and the rest of the country consistently failing over decades.

In 2023, the country will vote in a referendum on whether to establish a “voice” through the nation’s constitution. Supporters of the measure say it will help to improve the lives of First Nations peoples.

A ‘yes’ vote in the referendum would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the constitution and create an Indigenous body to advise government and the wider parliament on issues and policies affecting Indigenous people.

Australia’s Labor government and other prominent Indigenous groups are leading the campaign to establish the advisory body.

The federal opposition Liberal party is opposed to establishing the body, arguing it would not alleviate protracted issues facing First Nations communities, while claiming it would divide the nation. Some Indigenous people and groups oppose the voice, instead pushing for a treaty to set out the terms of their relationship with the Australian government, as well as stronger actions on critical issues.

The referendum requires a double majority to pass, meaning a majority of voters nationally must approve it, as well as at least four of the country’s six states.

Supporters want the advisory body within the constitution so it cannot be abolished at the whims of changing governments, as has happened with other advisory groups.

The referendum is slated to take place between October and December in 2023.

Parliaments

Indonesia works to prevent youths from smoking
Parliaments

Indonesia works to prevent youths from smoking

The Indonesian Ministry of Health revealed on December 17 that other countries' efforts to increase cigarette excise can reduce consumption by 10-15%, with increasing the Retail Selling Price (HJE) of cigarettes and e-cigarettes deterring young smokers from purchasing them.

Philippines intensifies crackdown on illegal gamers
Parliaments

Philippines intensifies crackdown on illegal gamers

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on December 12 ordered the police and law enforcement agencies to intensify the crackdown on illegal gaming and cyber cam hubs that continue to operate despite the ban, which will take effect by the end of December, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

Nigeria Proposes New Law To Combat Ponzi Schemes With Severe Penalties
Parliaments

Nigeria Proposes New Law To Combat Ponzi Schemes With Severe Penalties

According to Odaily, the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a draft of the '2024 Investment and Securities Bill' aimed at imposing stringent penalties on individuals convicted of Ponzi scheme crimes. The proposed legislation suggests a maximum fine of $12,000 (20 million Naira) or a 10-year prison sentence for offenders.

Singapore proposes new law to curb bank scams
Parliaments

Singapore proposes new law to curb bank scams

Singapore’s Protection from Scams Bill, presented to Parliament on November 11, proposes an unprecedented measure allowing police to issue Restriction Orders (RO) on suspected scam accounts. If it is passed, Singapore will be the first country to grant police authority to intervene in bank transactions to prevent fraud.