what is the voice proposal

The Voice to Parliament proposal is a plan to create an independent advisory body, known as the Voice, to provide advice to the Australian government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Voice would be made up of members chosen by First Nations communities around Australia to represent them. The proposal was recommended by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a historic document drafted by more than 250 Indigenous leaders in 2017. If the referendum passes, parliament would have the power to decide on the Voices composition, functions, powers, and procedures. The Voice would make representations to MPs and policy makers on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and would have its own resources to allow it to research, develop, and make representations. The proposal is the subject of fierce debate, with both support and opposition across the political spectrum.