2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum facts for kids

The 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum is a special vote in Australia. It asks people to decide if they want to change the Australian constitution. This change would create a group called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

This Voice would speak for Indigenous Australians to the parliament and the federal government. It would give advice on things that affect Indigenous people. The vote is planned for late 2023. The Australian Electoral Commission is running the vote.

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, announced the question for the vote on 23 March 2023. A special law, called the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023, was put forward. This law passed the House of Representatives on 31 May 2023.

What is the Indigenous Voice Referendum?

This referendum is about changing Australia's main rule book, the Constitution. The idea is to officially recognise the First Peoples of Australia. It also aims to set up a new body, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. This Voice would give advice to the government and parliament.

The Australian Government worked with a group called the First Nations Referendum Working Group. They created ideas for how the Voice would work. These ideas would become laws if Australians vote 'yes' in the referendum.

What is the Proposed Question?

When Australians vote, they will see a question on their ballot paper. This question asks if they agree with the proposed change.

The question is:

A Proposed Law: To alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Islander Voice.

Do you approve this proposed alteration?

What Changes Would Be Made to the Constitution?

If the referendum passes, a new part would be added to the Constitution. It would be called 'Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples'.

The new section would say:

129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

• There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.

This means the Voice would be officially part of the Constitution. It would be able to give advice to the government. Parliament would then make laws about how the Voice works.

How Would the Voice Work?

The government has shared some ideas for how the Voice would operate. These ideas are like a guide for the laws that would be made later.

Here are some of the main ideas:

• The Voice would give independent advice to the Parliament and Government.
• It would be able to give advice on its own, or when asked.
• The Voice would have its own money to do research and give advice.
• The government should ask the Voice for its opinion early on new laws.

Who Would Be in the Voice?

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would choose the members of the Voice. The government would not pick them.
• Members would serve for a set time. This makes sure they are accountable to their communities.
• The way members are chosen would fit local community wishes. This would be decided after the vote.

What Would the Voice Represent?

• Members would be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Members would come from every state, territory, and the Torres Strait Islands.
• There would be special members for remote areas.
• The Voice would have an equal number of men and women at the national level.

How Would the Voice Be Accountable?

• The Voice would follow rules for being open and responsible.
• Its members would be checked by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
• Members could be removed if they do something seriously wrong.

What the Voice Would NOT Do

• The Voice would not manage money or deliver services. It would only give advice on how to improve programs.
• The Voice would not have a 'veto power'. This means it could not stop laws from being made.

How Australians Vote in a Referendum

What is a Double Majority?

For the Constitution to change, the referendum needs a "double majority". This means two things must happen:

• More than half of all votes across Australia must be 'yes'.
• More than half of the voters in at least four out of the six states must also vote 'yes'.

If these two things don't happen, the change will not be made.

Who Can Vote?

Most Australian citizens aged 18 or older must register to vote. They must also vote in elections and referendums. Some British subjects who were registered before 1984 can also vote.

There are a few reasons why someone might not have to vote. For example, if they are overseas or living in Antarctica. People in prison for more than three years cannot vote while in custody.

How Much Does the Referendum Cost?

The Australian Government has set aside money for the referendum. Most of this money goes to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). The AEC uses it to prepare for the vote and to help more First Nations people register to vote. Some money also goes to the National Indigenous Australians Agency to help with preparations.

See also

• Referendums in Australia
• List of Indigenous Australian politicians