Vote YES for the Voice
Discussions are happening far and wide about the proposed referendum enshrining a First Nations Voice to Parliament into the Constitution. At Nguluway DesignInc we wholeheartedly support a ‘YES’ vote in the referendum.
We believe enshrining a First Nations Voice into Parliament will bring benefits to all Australians.
Recognising that cultural sovereignty held by First Australians over the lands and waters was never ceded, a Voice to Parliament is a step towards healing wounds and enabling self-determination for First Australians. With over 60,000 years of history, cultural knowledge, practices, and connection to Country, having First Nations voices in Parliament will also bring much needed knowledge about place, people and culture to contemporary life for all Australians.
“It’s true that Indigenous people are now represented in Parliament, though the Voice to Parliament is a little different to this. It provides a direct voice from communities directly to Parliament on particular issues, whereas an elected representative is a voice within a political context. They are both important, though the Voice is a key enabler for self-determination of First Nations communities.”
Craig Kerslake, Director Nguluway DesignInc
A First Nations Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution is a key element of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. There has been a structured and consultative process to date, comprising the following milestones:
September 2022—The Referendum Working Group was established.
March 2023—Prime Minister Albanese proposed the referendum question, and introduced the Bill to Parliament.
June 2023—The current proposed question is to be voted on by Parliament.
Late 2023 or early 2024—The proposed referendum is to be held.
The proposed referendum question:
‘A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?’
