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.
