Page 4 - Best Of Local Mag September 2023 Edition

Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum: October 14, 2023

On October 14, Australians will vote in a National Referendum to change the document that outlines how Australia is
governed, the Constitution. The proposal is to provide indigenous Australians with special recognition by including a chapter
titled Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and introducing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Voice. It is proposed that this body will make representations on behalf of the indigenous community, to
the Parliament and Executive Government and that the Parliament will have the power to make laws with respect to the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.

The following is a summary of reasons laid out 3. Improving Lives and Closing Gaps
in the Referendum Booklet for voting “Yes” to The “Yes” vote supports the establishment of a Voice to provide
introducing a legal representative body for practical advice on critical issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Strait Islander communities, including life expectancy, infant
Constitution, highlighting the positive impact it can have on mortality, education, and employment. The aim is to address
making a meaningful difference in the lives of these indigenous the shortcomings of current approaches by involving local
communities. The key reasons to support this initiative are Indigenous voices in decision-making, which may lead to better
summarised below. outcomes in health, education, and employment.

1. Recognition and Unity 4. Reconciliation and a Better Future
Voting “Yes” acknowledges the aspirations of Aboriginal and Voting “Yes” enables Australians to reconcile with the past and
Torres Strait Islander people, many of whom have called for move towards a more inclusive future. Recognising Indigenous
recognition over decades. The Uluru Statement from the Heart, Australians through a Voice builds upon the progress made
endorsed by many Indigenous leaders and elders, sought since the 1967 referendum, further solidifying the nation’s
Constitutional Recognition through a Voice to Parliament, commitment to embracing its diverse history and heritage.
aiming to create practical change and better opportunities for Countries like Canada and New Zealand have already recognised
future generations. Australians from diverse backgrounds have their First Peoples, demonstrating the positive outcomes that
expressed their support, making it a unifying step towards a such recognition can bring.
better future.
5. Efficient Use of Resources
2. Concrete Results through Constitutional Recognition Supporting a Voice ensures that government resources are
Voting “Yes” entails recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait used effectively by listening to local communities and making
Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and celebrating informed decisions. This approach can help avoid wasting
their rich cultural heritage spanning 65,000 years. It is put taxpayer money on programs that do not yield the desired
forward that recognition demonstrates Australia’s unity and outcomes. The involvement of Indigenous voices ensures that
drives practical change for the betterment of Indigenous funds are directed where they are needed most.
communities. By supporting a Voice to Parliament, Australians
can ensure that generations of Indigenous knowledge and 6. Seizing the Opportunity
contributions are valued. The idea of a Voice has been developed over decades of hard