Australia is gearing up for a historic referendum that will decide if Indigenous people will be recognized in the country’s constitution through the establishment of a parliamentary advisory board called the Voice to Parliament. This vote aims to ensure that representatives of First Nations communities have a platform to provide independent advice on matters that affect them, marking a step towards addressing the marginalization and inequality faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since colonization by the British in 1788.
The Indigenous population in Australia currently stands at over 980,000 individuals, accounting for approximately 3.8 percent of the total population. Sadly, Indigenous Australians face significant disadvantages, including a life expectancy about eight years lower than non-Indigenous people, higher rates of suicide and imprisonment, and limited access to healthcare services.
The referendum was a significant promise made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his successful election campaign in 2021. However, the lead-up to the vote has seen divisions and racism fueled by misinformation on social media, which has elevated concerns within the Indigenous community.
Polling Day and Procedure
Australians will be required to vote “yes” or “no” to a single question at the ballot box. The wording of the question, finalized in June, is as follows: “Do you approve of a proposed law to alter the Constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?” Voting is mandatory, and over 2.2 million individuals have already participated in early voting.
Polling stations will be open from 8am to 6pm on Saturday, and vote counting will commence immediately after the polls close. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will provide a rolling tally of results on their website. If there is a clear majority in favor of the “Yes” campaign, results could be announced on Saturday night. In the case of a close contest, the remaining postal votes will be counted, potentially causing a delay.
To secure a win, the “Yes” campaign must achieve a double majority, with over half of the national vote and a majority in at least four of the six states. Referendums historically have a low success rate in Australia, with only eight out of 44 succeeding since 1901.
How will the Voice Work?
The concept of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament was proposed during a meeting at Uluru, a famous sandstone rock formation in central Australia, attended by 250 representatives from First Nations. Members of the Voice will be selected by Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and will comprise individuals from First Nations communities who will serve for a fixed duration.
Their role will be to provide independent advice to parliament and the government on matters related to Indigenous communities. However, they will not possess the power to direct or veto government policies.
Inspired by similar Indigenous advisory groups in other countries like Finland, Norway, and Sweden, the Voice aims to ensure that government policy decisions better serve Indigenous communities, closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Arguments from Both Sides
The “Yes” campaign, supported by Prime Minister Albanese, emphasizes the opportunity for Indigenous culture to finally receive recognition in Australia’s 122-year-old constitution. They believe that the Voice will bring tangible improvements in health, education, employment, and housing for Indigenous people. Adding the Voice to the constitution would provide protection and ensure that Indigenous people are directly heard by the government.
The “No” campaign, backed by opposition Liberal party leader Peter Dutton, raises concerns regarding the operational details and selection process of the Voice. With the tagline “If you don’t know, vote no,” they argue that implementing the Voice without sufficient clarity poses legal risks and could lead to ineffective governance. However, experts refute their claims that the Voice will create permanent divisions in Australia.
It is essential to note that there are also Indigenous individuals who are skeptical of the Voice’s practical impact on improving the lives of First Nations people. Some believe that a treaty or acknowledgment of sovereignty is necessary for substantial change.
As Australians await the results of this landmark referendum, they face a critical choice in deciding whether to recognize and amplify the voices of Indigenous people in the country’s decision-making processes.