Later this year, Australians will be asked to vote on recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Constitution through a Voice to Parliament.
A Voice to Parliament will be a representative body of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It will give independent advice to the Government on laws and policies that affect their lives. Put simply, a Voice gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples a seat at the table when decisions are being made about their lives.
Sadly, there is misinformation spreading about the Voice. In Australia, it is legal to tell lies about the Voice. It’s understandable people are confused, and we are here to help!
If you have a question about the Voice, let us know! Our team of Indigenous Rights campaigners will help you understand the facts, so you can make an informed decision when casting your vote.
We will send you our FAQ with the most commonly asked questions and will add some of your questions to our FAQ page. If yours hasn’t been answered, keep an eye on your inbox in the coming week, we'll be following up with answers to some of your questions.
Please note we will only respond to genuine questions. We will not tolerate racism, so any harmful questions will be ignored.
OUR POSITION:
Amnesty stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in their continuing fight for justice, and all it encompasses. As a predominantly non-Indigenous organisation, Amnesty recognises the importance of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the pursuit of self-determination and justice, and acknowledging there’s a diversity of opinions and perspectives in First Nations communities.
As a human rights organisation, we recognise the opportunity the 2023 Referendum on the Voice provides in progressing First Nations rights in Australia. Amnesty is committed to campaigning to ensure all human rights are recognised and realised for all First Nations peoples, and as such supports voting in favour of the Voice to Parliament. Amnesty intends to continue supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ demands for justice beyond the Voice, and encourages its supporters and the public to do so as well.
Authorised by Sam Klintworth, Amnesty International Australia, Sydney/Gadigal