AUSTRALIANS now know what they will be asked in the referendum for an Indigenous voice to Federal Parliament, as well as the draft constitutional amendment that would enable it.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was emotional as he revealed the wording of the referendum question during a press conference at Parliament House on Thursday.
After consulting with the referendum working group, Mr Albanese said the question would be formulated as: “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?”
If Australians vote in favour of the voice, the Constitution would be amended to include a new chapter titled Recognition of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Peoples, in which the details would be:
“In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
“1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
“2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
“3. The parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”
Mr Albanese had tears in his eyes as he made the announcement.
“If not now, when? This is an opportunity that doesn’t belong to the (politicians), it belongs to every Australian equally,” he said.
“One person, one vote. People from all faiths, backgrounds … all of us will have equal say.
“All of us can own an equal share of what I believe will be an inspiring and unifying Australian moment.”
Mr Albanese believes the constitutional provisions would protect the two “fundamental” and simple principles of recognition and consultation.
“As Australians, we have an extraordinary privilege,” he said. “We share this great island continent with the world’s oldest continuous culture and the nation should recognise this and be proud of it.
“People who have loved and cared for this country for 65,000 years and more, in countless ways, we embrace it as a source of great pride.
“It’s a sensible and practical proposition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a say in the decisions and policies that affect them.”
The wording could go through further changes when it is considered by parliament.
