An emotional Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to back a historic referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution, telling the nation “don’t miss it”.
The prime minister joined members of the referendum working group on Thursday to unveil the question to be put to voters later this year and the proposed changes to the constitution.
Choking back tears, Mr Albanese – who went to the 2022 election promising the constitutional change – said this was the nation’s chance to “run on the field and engage”.
“Every Australian wants us to close the gap and today points the way to how. By enshrining a voice in our constitution and by listening to that voice,” he said.
“What we have done up to now hasn’t worked.”
Mr Albanese urged Australians to be part of history.
“All of us can own an equal share of what I believe will be an inspiring and unifying Australian moment. I say to Australia, don’t miss it,” he said.
The question to be put to voters is:
“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?”
The proposed changes to the constitution will involve adding three sentences:
* “There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
* “The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to parliament and the executive government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
* “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.”
The proposed introductory words of the constitution will be:
“In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia”.
Laws setting out the question and constitutional change will go to parliament on March 30, ahead of the referendum expected to be held between October and December.
But the government is facing pushback from the opposition, with the Nationals staunchly against the voice and the Liberals calling for more details before settling their position.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the government should release advice from the solicitor-general, as well as explain how it would make a practical difference, particularly for Indigenous women and children facing violence.
“Is it going to make it more difficult because there is another layer of bureaucracy and makes it harder for the Indigenous women in these communities to be heard?” he said.
Referendum working group member Thomas Mayo said Indigenous Australians must remain hopeful.
“It has given Indigenous people who have been ignored and treated poorly for far too long a voice so that we may improve our lives,” he said.
“It is profound because it includes over 60,000 years of continuous heritage and culture in our constitution – a recognition from the moment we say, ‘yes’.”
An emotional Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said it would be “a simple but powerful act”.
“I was 10 years old in 1967 – I spent the first 10 years of my life not being counted,” she said.
“(The referendum) will give all Australians the chance to come together to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and story.”
The proposed model will have representatives from all states and territories as well as the Torres Strait and specific remote areas, with gender balance and youth members.
Representatives will be appointed by communities, not the government, and serve specific terms.
If the referendum is passed, the parliament would then legislate the functions and powers of the voice.
© AAP 2023
