Constitutionally entrenched Voice to Parliament: Representation and good governance

• Published in: Alternative Law Journal
• Main Authors: Larkin, Dani, Galloway, Kate
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 2021
• Subjects: Law; Sociology and Political Science; First Nations
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1037969x211019807; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1037969X211019807; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/1037969X211019807

In 2017, the Uluru Statement from the Heart provided a consensus position on constitutional reform derived from Regional Dialogues drawing on experiences, views and aspirations of First Nations people. Among its recommendations is a constitutionally entrenched Voice to Parliament. While the government supports a watered-down Voice, this article identifies the key features of constitutional enshrinement that would enhance Australia’s institutions of governance. It focuses on its capacity for representation and its contribution to good governance and articulates the imperative for Voice to be an institution under the Australian Constitution, outlining the risks of settling for a legislated body alone.