History and Context
35 years of History leading to Referendum:
1988​
Yolngu presents Barunga Statement to Prime Minister Bob Hawke, declaring the aspirations of the Indigenous owners and the occupiers of Australia, and requesting the Australian Government and people 'recognise' our rights.​
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2000
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Dr Evelyn Scott leads the People's walk for Reconciliation across the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of the Corroberee 2000.
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In her role on the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, Dr Scott puts constitutional recognition on the agenda through advocacy and reports to government.
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2001
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A century after federation and the enactment of the Constitution in 1901, Prime Minister John Howard does not yet support constitutional recognition.
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2007
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Prime Minister John Howard announces support for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd also supports constitutional recognition.
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2008
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Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivers Apology, but no constitutional recognition in either first or second term.
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2010
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Prime Minister Julia Gillard appoints and Expert Panel to lead the constitutional recognition agenda.
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2011
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The report of the Expert Panel is met with strong opposition to the key idea of amending the Constitution to outlaw discrimination.
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2012-13
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Things are at a stalemate. The constitutional recognition agenda stalls.
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2014
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Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples established, Chaired by Mr Ken Wyatt MP, Liberal Party and Senator Nova Peris, Australian Labor Part. Conducts public hearings, consultations with constitutional law experts and community forums.
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2015
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Mr Wyatt MP and Senator Peris present Joint Select Committee report. No action taken.
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Empower Communities Design Report identifies need for Indigenous body to be guaranteed by the Constitution as part of a package of reforms to effect Indigenous recognition.
2016​
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull establishes Referendum Council to advise Prime Minister and Leader for the Opposition on options for constitutional recognition.​
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Referendum Council supports 12 Indigenous dialogues across the country for Indigenous people to consider options for constitutional recognition.
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2017
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Indigenous Australians present a way forward in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, asking for 1. Voice, 2. Treaty, and 3. Truth.
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Final Report of the Referendum Council. No action taken.
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2018
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Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Established, Chaired by Senator Patrick Dodson, Australian Labor Party and Julian Leeser MP, Liberal Party.
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Senator Dodson and Mr Leeser MP present Joint Select Committee report.
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2020
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison commissions Indigenous Voice Co-design Process Chaired by Professors Tom Calma and Marcia Langton. Co-Design draws on participation of more than 9400 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and organisations.
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2021
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Professors Langton and Calma present final Co-design report.
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2022
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces 2023 referendum and proposes constitutional amendment to recognise Indigenous Australians through Voice.
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Constitutional Expert Group involving Indigenous and other lawyers established to report further on the proposed constitutional amendment. Working Group and Engagement Group of Indigenous Australians established.
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2023
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The question of constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians will be put to the Australian people after being one of the most inquired about, researched, consulted and written about public policy questions in Australia's history.
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Words from 'Voice Partnership Empowerment' published by Empowered Communities, 2023.
Read the Indigenous Voice Co-design Process report here
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