First Nations people shouldn’t have to wait for a referendum to get a Voice to Parliament

• Main Author: Lee, Emma
• Other Authors: Swinburne University of Technology
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: The Conversation Media Group Ltd. 2022
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/467538; https://theconversation.com/first-nations-people-shouldnt-have-to-wait-for-a-referendum-to-get-a-voice-to-parliament-184316

The new Labor government has promised to make a significant change in the life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, with a full commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart. But rather than waiting for a referendum to enshrine the Indigenous Voice to parliament, Labor should do it now. The authors of the Uluru Statement have suggested May 2023 or January 2024 as likely dates for a referendum to be held. The Minister for Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney has stated it is a “goal” to have the referendum in the first term and will push ahead regardless of bipartisan support. However an act of parliament could see Indigenous Voice implemented in the next few months. And with a majority in the lower house, Labor has the capacity to negotiate it through the upper house. An Indigenous Voice to parliament and government does not require a referendum. This is only needed to make it a part of the Constitution. The advantage of enacting a Voice now is Australians will be able to see how it works in practice and gain a better understanding of its value and importance.