In Australia, prime minister announces proposed referendum question and draft wording of constitutional amendment for Indigenous advisory body

By Georgie Hitch, 23 March 2023
Prime Minister Albert Albanese (photo credit: Matt Roberts via ABC News)
Prime Minister Albert Albanese (photo credit: Matt Roberts via ABC News)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the proposed question Australians will be asked at this year's referendum and the draft constitutional amendment that would enable an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Mr Albanese said the Referendum Working Group had landed on the question: "A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?" As well as that, it will be put to Australians that the constitution be amended to include a new chapter titled "Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples". The details would be: 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 the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; 3.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. [...] The wording announced on [23 March] is not set in stone, though, and it could go through further changes when it is considered by parliament.
Read the full article here: ABC News

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