Voice to Parliament Campaign

It’s time to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.

In 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum aimed at acknowledging First Nations peoples in our Constitution by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

This Voice will be an independent advisory body representing First Nations Australians, that allows them to provide advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on issues that particularly affect them.

The Voice isn’t a new idea. In 2017, years of work with over 1,200 elders culminated in the release of the Uluru Statement From the Heart.

The Uluru Statement invites all Australians to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in building a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament, as well as establishing a Makarrata commission that will facilitate treaty making and truth-telling.

Australia is home to two of the oldest continuing cultures in the world. That’s something special we can all be proud of, and it’s something to celebrate in Australia’s founding document, our Constitution.

The proposed wording changes to our Constitution

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

1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to Parliament and the Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

3. The Parliament shall, subject to the Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The proposed referendum question:

Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?

To approve this change, Australian voters write the answer ‘Yes’ when voting in the referendum.

Take action

Sign your Support

Sign your support for a First Nations Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution.

Receive updates from The Uluru Dialogue team and remain engaged with developments for a better future for all Australians.

What this means for Australia

For more than two centuries, First Nations Australians have experienced oppressive and discriminatory policies from the government, despite the varying intentions behind these laws. The lack of collaboration and consultation has resulted in the failure of these policies, exacerbating social and economic issues such as education, health, and justice.

The purpose of establishing the Voice is to provide First Nations leaders with the opportunity to offer their perspectives on how to address these gaps and failures. Their input, knowledge, and experiences are invaluable in ensuring that successful outcomes are achieved.

Important links

Stay Informed

The Uluru Statement

We invite you to join a movement of the Australian people and walk with us for a better future. We call on all Australians to support a First Nations Voice to Parliament by voting Yes in the upcoming referendum, so we can finally have a say on policies and laws that affect our communities.

Passing the Message Stick

Winning support for self-determination and justice

Supporter Kit

The Uluru Statement Supporters Kit steps through how you can spread the message of the Uluru Statement and encourage other Australians to accept the invitation.