News
Progress towards Voice referendum welcome
24th Mar 2023
Yesterday’s announcement of the wording for the proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament is very welcome progress towards this important referendum.
“The release of the referendum question brings us another step closer to the realisation of a Voice to Parliament that guarantees the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives in national policy and decision-making processes,” said Ms Genevieve Henderson, National President, Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).
“We are very pleased to see progress being made towards the referendum and look forward to participating in public consultation in relation to the text of the proposed amendment.”
The ALA considers that the First Nations Voice proposal is moderate, pragmatic and legally sound.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should have a say in the laws and policies that affect their lives,” said Ms Henderson. “Our legal system has often failed to adequately represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but we know that the law can be used effectively to create a more just and equitable society.
“A First Nations Voice will improve social cohesion by empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to work with government cooperatively, ensuring that the best possible policies and legislation will emerge. This is the roadmap to closing the gap.
“The constitutional recognition of a First Nations Voice to Parliament will, unlike many past initiatives, signal legal recognition that goes beyond mere symbolism, and allows for pragmatic change to take place. Only then will systemic injustices be understood holistically, and the Government can truly sit ‘side by side’ with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities to address these injustices and matters important to First Nations communities.”
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