what is voice referendum australia

The Voice referendum in Australia is a proposal to enshrine in the nations constitution a mechanism for Indigenous people to advise parliament on policies that affect their lives. The referendum will be held on October 14, 2023. If successful, the proposal, known as the Voice, will recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution. The Voice would advise parliament and government on matters affecting Indigenous communities, such as health, housing, education, and jobs. The referendum ballot papers will ask voters to approve an alteration to the Australian Constitution. The Australian Government has released design principles for the Voice, which will underpin "the shape and function of the Voice" and "then be the basis of the legislation" for the Parliament to consider if the referendum is successful. Despite the controversy surrounding the Voice, constitutional law experts have stated that the Voice will have no power to veto legislation, and there is "no obligation upon parliament or the executive government" to respond to the Voices advice.