Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

In 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The Voice will be an independent, representative advisory body for First Nations peoples. It will provide a permanent means to advise the Australian Parliament and Government on the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on matters that affect them.

On 23 March 2023, the Prime Minister announced the constitutional amendment and referendum question that were agreed to by the Referendum Working Group and the Government. These will soon be introduced into Parliament. The constitutional amendment and referendum question reflect the advice of the First Nations Referendum Working Group.

The Prime Minister also released the principles of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. 

These were developed and agreed by the First Nations Referendum Working Group.

After the referendum, there will be a process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the Parliament, and the broader public to settle the Voice design. Legislation to establish the Voice will then go through standard parliamentary processes to ensure adequate scrutiny by elected representatives in both houses of Parliament. 

The referendum is part of the Government's commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.

Read more about the Voice to Parliament and referendum.