Voice to Parliament

16 September 2023

The Life Without Barriers hub has released Phase 2 of Referendum resources in multiple languages.

Image: Vote in the voice referendum

We're committed to ensuring that all Australians, regardless of language or cultural background, can access the information needed to make an informed decision in the upcoming vote.

This release is the second wave of factsheets, toolkits and videos created by Life Without Barriers and Polaron Language Services. This partnership was formed to help create accessible information on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

New toolkits, videos and translated information have been created for all Australians, and all organisations and individuals are welcome to download and share these resources with your networks.

What does Factsheet 2 say?

Referendum on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

Soon, Australian Voters will be asked to vote in a Referendum. The Referendum will ask whether there should be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament in the Constitution. The Parliament is the body that makes laws for Australia.

What is the Voice to Parliament?

The Voice is a way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to advise the Government about laws that affect them. Writing the Voice into the Constitution will mean the Voice will have a permanent role in providing advice to the Government on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The Voice to Parliament will be an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to be constitutionally recognised and for their culture to be acknowledged and celebrated.

Why are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People asking for a Voice to Parliament?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have been asking to be recognised by the Government for nearly 100 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples know their communities and culture best. They know the best solutions to meet the challenges facing their communities that can create a fairer, more equitable experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

What will the Voice to Parliament do?

The Voice will listen to advice from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People about matters that affect their lives, so the Government can make better decisions that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Who will represent the Voice to Parliament?

The Voice will be a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from every state and territory including remote areas. Representatives will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in their local area.

Have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People been consulted on the Voice to Parliament?

Thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have given advice on why the Voice is needed and how it should work for many years. More than 80% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People support a Voice to Parliament.

What do legal experts say?

Constitutional lawyers including those representing the Federal Government have said the Voice is legally sound and will make our system of government better.

Can the Voice make laws?

No. The Voice will not have the power to make laws. It will only provide advice on matters that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

What question will the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum ask?

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

How do I vote in the Referendum?

Referendums are like elections. You will be given a ballot paper with the question above and you will need to write ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ in English for your vote to be counted. If you write ‘YES’ it means you agree Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People should have a voice on matters that directly impact them.

What happens if the majority of people vote YES?

If the majority of people vote Yes for the Voice, the Government will then consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to finalise the design and pass relevant laws to set up the Voice.

What happens if the majority of people vote NO?

If the majority of people vote no, nothing will change. The issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People will continue. Voting no means you vote no to the Voice, there is no alternative to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in this Referendum.

Find factsheet 2 in language here.

What does Factsheet 1 say?

Referendum on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

Australian people come from many lands, practise many faiths and speak many languages. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are the First Peoples of Australia and have lived here for more than 65,000 years. But Australia’s Constitution doesn’t recognise their unique status. This is why later this year, we will be able to consider a change to our Constitution through a Referendum. All Australians will have a chance to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our Constitution, through a Voice that will ensure they are heard on issues that affect them.

What is the Uluru Statement from the Heart?

In May 2017, more than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people issued the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It asks us to create a better future for all of Australia and to include an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Australian Constitution.

What is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice is a way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to advise the Government about laws and policies that affect them.

What is a Referendum? A Referendum is when voters are asked to answer Yes or No to a question or questions. The only way to change Australia's Constitution is via a Referendum.

Who can vote in a Referendum?

Only people enrolled to vote can take part in a Referendum. Voting in Referendums is compulsory for enrolled voters.

How do I vote in the Referendum?

Referendums are like elections. On polling day, you can go to a polling place and cast your vote on a ballot paper.

How is a Referendum decided?

For a Referendum to be successful, it needs a double majority. This means a majority of votes in at least four states and across the whole of Australia.

When will the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum be held?

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum will be held later this year.

What question will the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum ask?

“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?”

Find factsheet 1 in language here.

You can access translated Voice social media assets and videos below. All organisations and individuals are welcome to download and share these resources with your networks.