Australia to Hold Referendum on Indigenous "Voice to Parliament"

• 01 Sep 2023

On 30^th August, Australian PM announced that Australia will hold a referendum on October 14 to decide on the creation of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, marking the nation's first referendum in a generation.

Key Points:

• Referendum Announcement: This sparks a six-week campaigning period for both supporters and opponents of the Indigenous Voice.
• Purpose of the Referendum: The referendum aims to constitutionally establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, a group of advocates representing the nation's most disadvantaged ethnic minority, with the goal of providing them with more influence over government policies.
• Campaign for "Yes": Australian Prime Minister encouraged people to vote "yes" in the referendum, citing polls showing over 80% of Indigenous Australians intended to do so.
• He emphasized that a "no" vote would mean no change and urged support for constitutional recognition.
• Long Gap Since Referendum: Australia has not held a referendum since 1999, and the last successful referendum was in 1977. Referendums in Australia require bipartisan support, and the major parties remain divided over the Indigenous Voice.
• Proponents' Arguments: Supporters argue that involving Indigenous people in policies affecting their lives could reduce disadvantages they face.
• Indigenous Australians, who make up 3.8% of the population, have a significantly shorter life expectancy than the wider population.
• No Right of Veto: Proponents clarify that the Voice would not grant Indigenous people a veto over government policies, and lawmakers would still have the freedom to disregard its recommendations.
• Opponents' Concerns: Opponents express concerns that the Voice's constitutional powers could lead to legal uncertainty. They also argue that it would create division along racial lines and be a significant change in Australia's democracy.