Co-authored by Michael Kinsella
A bill has been introduced into the lower house
to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. This has been a
major legislative goal of the Australian Government and would alter
the Federal Constitution by way of a referendum, in order to
recognise Australia's First Peoples. However, very little is
understood about the process of constitutional reform and the
significance of the Voice itself.
This blog will analyse the role of a referendum, as outlined in
section 128 of the Constitution, and will consider the importance
of recognition and what constitutes a 'Voice'.
What is the Voice to Parliament?
The Voice would be the first Constitutional recognition afforded
to Indigenous Australians – joining other nations including
the US, Norway, New Zealand and Canada which all have various
treaties with their Indigenous communities.
