When Will the Voice to Parliament be Established?​

 

If Australia votes 'Yes' in the 2023 Referendum for the establishment of a First Nations Voice, it will the be up to Parliament to make laws around the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Voice.

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What would the Voice do?

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The Voice would be separate to the Government and give independent advice to the Parliament and Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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If it is voted for in the referendum, the Voice would have standard procedures and ways of working so Voice members will be clear about their roles.

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What would the Voice look like?

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If it is voted for in the referendum, it will initially be up to Parliament to make laws around the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Voice. Following that, the Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities.

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The Voice would empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community voices and be led by community. It would be inclusive, gender balanced, include youth, and be informed by culture.

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Working with existing organisations and traditional structures is one of the principles of the Voice. This means if communities already have systems in place which align with the principles of the Voice, they would not have to be replaced by something new.