THE federal government has proposed to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The proposed alteration inserts the following text into the Constitution: Chapter IX – Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
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 the 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.
This Saturday, (October 14) Australians will vote Yes or No on whether they approve the amendment to be made to the Constitution.
The referendum needs a majority of votes in majority of states to succeed, parliament will then design the Voice via legislation.
