Designing an Indigenous Voice that empowers: How constitutional recognition could strengthen First Nations sovereignty

• Published in: Alternative Law Journal
• Main Author: O’Neil, Jason
• Other Authors: Australian Government
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 2021
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1037969x211009628; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1037969X211009628; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/1037969X211009628

This article considers how a First Nations Voice to Parliament, if carefully designed, could strengthen the land-based sovereignty and autonomy of First Peoples in Australia. It critiques the proposals presented in the Indigenous Voice Co-design Process' Interim Report released January 2021 for its emphasis on the role of government and existing structures. It responds to Indigenous critiques of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, while arguing for a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament that respects and defers to First Nations' Country-based authority.