Voice to parliament – Everything you need to know.
As a group Ovolo’s Do Good. Feel Good. pledge committed to diversity and inclusion, Ovolo supports The Voice to Parliament and encourages informed and respectful conversations around the coming referendum. We recognise Australia’s rich Indigenous culture and welcome any move that promotes greater equity in society, where we celebrate our differences and listen to others. We hope this will lead to greater unity and respect for all Australians across all cultures, nationalities, and religions.
This blog was created to assist Australians in finding information and forming their own opinion on The Voice to Parliament and the benefits of such a cause.
The definition of the voice:
- Recognise First Nations Australians in the Constitution through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
- The Voice would provide permanent representation and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution. It would be a new body that represents First Nations people from across Australia to provide their input into federal government decisions, policies, and laws that affect their lives. This would be on matters relating to the social, spiritual, and economic well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Voice would be an advisory body, but it would not have powers to overrule parliament, commonly known as “veto” powers.
Benefits to the voice:
- Empowering Indigenous Communities: The Voice provides a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to actively participate in decision-making processes. By having their voices heard, Indigenous communities can influence policies, laws, and initiatives that directly impact their well-being. This empowerment enhances self-determination and fosters a stronger sense of community ownership.
- Enhanced Representation: The Voice ensures that the diverse perspectives and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are taken into account when shaping policies and laws that directly impact them. It provides a mechanism to address the historical underrepresentation of Indigenous voices in decision-making processes, promoting inclusivity and fairness.
- Closing the Gap: The Voice plays a crucial role in closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. By actively involving Indigenous communities in decision-making, the Voice enables policies and programs to be better tailored to address the specific needs, aspirations, and challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Preserving Cultural Knowledge and Wisdom: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities hold valuable knowledge and wisdom about land, environment, and sustainable practices. Through the Voice, this knowledge can be shared and integrated into decision-making processes, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage and fostering sustainable development.
- Improved Policy Outcomes: The inclusion of diverse perspectives through the Voice leads to more informed and comprehensive policy outcomes. By considering the insights and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, policies can be better designed to address systemic issues, promote social justice, and create positive change in Indigenous communities.
- Strengthened Democracy: The Voice strengthens the democratic fabric of Australia by promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. It ensures that decisions made by elected representatives reflect the interests and concerns of all Australians, creating a more equitable and representative democracy.
- Reconciliation and Healing: The Voice represents an important step towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It acknowledges and respects the unique cultures, histories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, fostering understanding, respect, and healing.
- Economic Opportunities: The Voice can contribute to economic development in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by enabling them to actively participate in decision-making processes related to economic policies, investments, and initiatives. This involvement ensures that economic opportunities are aligned with the aspirations and needs of Indigenous peoples.
- Social Cohesion and National Identity: Embracing the Voice strengthens the social fabric of Australia by acknowledging and valuing the cultural diversity of the nation. It contributes to a more inclusive and cohesive society, where all Australians feel valued and connected to the country’s rich Indigenous heritage.
The establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament in Australia carries significant benefits for Indigenous communities and the nation as a whole. By providing a platform for Indigenous voices to be heard and actively participating in decision-making processes, the Voice empowers communities, enhances representation, and promotes inclusivity and fairness. It plays a vital role in closing the gap, preserving cultural knowledge, and fostering sustainable development. The Voice strengthens democracy, contributes to reconciliation and healing, and creates economic opportunities aligned with Indigenous aspirations. Embracing the Voice not only strengthens social cohesion but also positions Australia as a global leader in recognizing and empowering Indigenous peoples. With its potential to transform policies, laws, and initiatives, the Voice ensures a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Australians.
On the 18th of July 2023, The Australian Electoral Commissioner published unedited and unformatted Yes and No cases. Each case had to consist of no more than 2,000 words. Each case was authorised by the majority of the members of parliament who voted for and against the proposed change to the constitution.
You can find them here.
Free Course: The Indigenous Voice to Parliament microcredential.
A free microcredential from Macquarie University available to anyone seeking to engage with the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and gain knowledge to make an informed decision.
Other helpful resources.
- ABC News – “What is the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, and why is it important?”
- Australian National University Reporter – “What you need to know about the Voice”
- Landcare Australia – “Traditional Aboriginal burning and modern-day land management”
- Australian National University Reporter – “Aboriginal knowledge of burning boosts biodiversity”
- Australian National University Reporter – “The Voice – Six quick answers”