The referendum 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?

The proposed addition to 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:

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 answer still should be NO - give Ockernese a chance for a really good old sob; see if he can outdo Bob Hawke's performance. Bob actually managed real tears plus snottygobbles. I can still see it. Oscar winning stuff.

Oh good - clarity at last. Perhaps you could help me because I'm struggling to have some issues clarified....

Will it be elected?
Who will be eligible to vote if it is elected.
Who will be eligible to contest the vote if it is elected.
How will the members will be appointed if its not elected.
Who will be eligible to sit if its appointed.
Who be doing the appointing - PM, Cabinet, House, Senate?
How will it be funded.
Who'll determine the level of funding.
How will the consensus 'Voice' will be determined.
How will the Voice be communicated to the Parliament eg via the PM or GG or directly.
How the staff of the Voice will be determined and paid.
Can the government of the day change the membership.
Who will audit and adjudicate on the funding of the Voice.

Just a few minor issues...</sarc>

The Voice will adhere to eight principles, Wirdi man and working group member Tony McAvoy, KC, said.

1. The Voice will give independent advice to parliament and government.
2. The Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities.
3. The Voice will be representative of Indigenous communities, with a gender balance and youth.
4. The Voice will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful, and culturally informed.
5. The Voice will be accountable and transparent.
6. The Voice will work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures.
7. The Voice will not have a program delivery function.
8. The Voice will not have a veto power.

Who does not know that the Aborigines have been here for a very long time ?
Who does not know that many Aborigines have been prevented from continuing their nomadic existence ?
Who does not know that Torres Strait islanders have not been displaced by Europeans but by South Pacific Islanders.
Who does not know that the two groups have been receiving compensation & all other dervices for a very long time.
Who does not know that there are now more people identifying as indigenous than who are actually indigenous.
Who does not know that two Wrongs will never make a Right !

"2. The Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities."

So not elected. Well I don't think that's been agreed but good to see that icky things like democracy will be ignored.