Prime Minister puts forward 'simple' draft referendum question on Indigenous voice to parliament

Anthony Albanese has revealed three proposed sentences that would amend the Constitution and a draft referendum question that would start the process for the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Yothu Yindi Foundation Chair Galarrwuy Yunupingu speak during the Garma Festival, Northern Territory, Friday, July 29, 2022 Source: AAP

The Prime Minister has unveiled the first steps toward an Indigenous Voice to Parliament during an address at Garma Festival in Gulkula, Northern Territory.

Anthony Albanese put forward a 'simple' draft referendum question.,

“A straightforward proposition. A simple principle. A question from the heart,” Mr Albanese said.

Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?

He also outlined three sentences as a starting point for discussion to amend the constitution:

1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice make representations to Parliament and the Executive Government 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 the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Read the Uluru Statement from the Heart in your language

Mr Albanese took the opportunity to dispel any misconceptions about the choice the nation would face, saying Australia does not have to choose between "improving people’s lives and amending the Constitution."

"We can do both – and we have to,” he said.

Because 121 years of Commonwealth governments arrogantly believing they know enough to impose their own solutions on Aboriginal People have brought us to this point.

“This torment of powerlessness. A life expectancy gap of 20 years, some of the worst incarceration rates in the world, a burden of disease beyond imagining for white Australians. A broken system that burns billions of dollars and delivers precious little for people who are supposed to be able to trust it.

“And if governments simply continue to insist they know better – then things will get worse.”

Optimistic for success

Mr Albanese reflected on the “extraordinary and joyous” change within his lifetime, from the casting aside of terra nullius, the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, the journey of states and territories towards truth-telling and Treaty, and the presence of First Nations People sitting in Parliament and serving as ministers.

The prime minister said he was “optimistic” about the success of the referendum.

“I am hopeful, that in years to come, when we gather here at Garma, we will be able to measure that success not just by the number of people who vote for a Voice, but by the lives the Voice helps to change,” he said.

“The communities it empowers, the opportunities it creates, the justice it delivers, the security it will bring to First Nations Peoples around our country.

“I am determined for us to succeed in this great project. And, working together, with humility, with hope. I am sure we can.”