Voice to Parliament
Charles Sturt University has a proud commitment to respecting First Nations culture and Country.
We respectfully acknowledge Country and custodians of the lands where our campuses sit - the Wiradjuri, Ngunawal, Birpai and Gundungurra peoples. We are equally proud of our long history of working and learning with Indigenous people from many Nations beyond our campus footprint, and value the diverse cultural and lived experience of students, staff and community stakeholders. We have built strong relationships through celebrating and embedding Indigenous knowledge and cultures in our teaching, research, and practices.
Charles Sturt University supports an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Statement of support
Video resources
This video by Shelley Reys AO, CEO of Arrilla Indigenous Consulting, dismantles the myths and addresses the concerns one by one about the Voice to Parliament, without judgement.
The Australian Government has committed to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full. This video by Blackfella Films examines the background of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
This video is a recording of the 2022 Sambrell Oration. The Sambell Oration focussed on how a Voice to Parliament can positively impact the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Other resources
Referendum 2023
It is compulsory for Australian citizens over 18 to vote in the referendum. If you haven't already, enrol to vote via the Australian Electoral Commission by 8pm, Monday 18 September.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice - Australian Government
The official Australian Government website provides comprehensive information on the proposed Voice.
Voice principles - Australian Government
This website offers a comprehensive exploration of the Voice principles and a range of valuable frequently asked questions.
Referendum question and constitutional amendment - Australian Government
This website offers information on the referendum question and the constitutional amendment.
First Nations Referendum Working Group - Australian Government
Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP and Special Envoy for Reconciliation and the Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Senator Patrick Dodson, co-chair the First Nations Referendum Working Group.
The First Nations Referendum Working Group is made up of diverse First Nations leaders from across Australia who have had longstanding involvement in the process for constitutional recognition.
First Nations Referendum Engagement Group - Australian Government
The First Nations Referendum Engagement Group includes the First Nations Referendum Working Group in addition to a diverse range of representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country. They are advising on building community understanding, awareness and support for the referendum.
Voice to Parliament: Debunking 10 myths and misconceptions - Monash University
Written by Katie O'Bryan and Paula Gerber for the Monash Lens, this resource examines the myths and misconceptions of the Voice to Parliament debate.
The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need - Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien via the Parliament Shop
The Voice to Parliament Handbook is an easy-to-follow guide for the millions of Australians who have expressed support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, but want to better understand what a Voice to Parliament actually means.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice: A Dialogue
Charles Sturt University partnered with The Australian National University for a special event in early August. A vibrant, inclusive and respectful public discussion featuring a live panel of Indigenous leaders on the Voice and political representatives who covered the tough questions that students from around Australia wanted answered.
Frequently asked questions
These have been developed from the Australian Government's Voice community toolkit.
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What is the Voice? chevron_right
The Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have called for the Voice to be representative of First Nations peoples from across Australia, be gender balanced and involve young people.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have called for the Voice to be representative of First Nations peoples from across Australia, be gender balanced and involve young people.
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Why a Voice? chevron_right
Australia has been talking about recognising First Nations peoples in the Constitution for more than a decade.
In 2017, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across the country came together. They considered all the options for recognition. They wrote the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which called for a Voice for First Nations peoples to be added to the Constitution.
In 2022, the Australian Government agreed to have a referendum to let Australians decide whether to establish the Voice in the Constitution.
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How would the Voice work? chevron_right
The Voice would give advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The intention is for the Voice to work alongside existing groups and organisations.
It would be accountable and transparent.
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Who would be in the Voice? chevron_right
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have called for members of the Voice to be chosen by First Nations peoples based on the wishes of local communities.
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When will the Voice referendum be held? chevron_right
The referendum will be held in late 2023.
Voting is compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens aged 18 years and over.
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What is the proposed constitutional amendment and referendum question? chevron_right
Referendum question
On referendum day, voters will be asked to vote 'yes' or 'no' on a single question. The question on the ballot paper will be:
“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?”
Constitutional amendment
The proposed law that Australians are being asked to approve at the referendum would insert the following lines into the Constitution:
“Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
- there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
- 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;
- 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.”
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What support services are available for First Nations students and staff? chevron_right
We provide free and confidential counselling to students. If you are struggling with a personal, emotional or mental health difficulty, which is impacting your studies, you can access our services at the student counselling website.
Staff can access independent, confidential, support that can be tailored to the needs of our diverse workforce through the Employee Assistance Program.