Legislation is an unsatisfactory way to institute a Voice to Parliament because, among other reasons, it would make the body insecure and vulnerable to the whims of different governments.
In the lead-up to the Voice to parliament referendum, we’re seeing constitutional change is possible. If the Voice is successful, Australia could next consider separating us from the monarchy.
A Voice to Parliament will not fix every problem facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. But it is an important step towards moving the nation to truth telling and beyond.
The Voice to Parliament is an advisory body, which means neither parliament nor the government is legally required to give effect to its representations.
The Albanese government wants to change the way referendums work ahead of the Voice to Parliament vote. There are still flaws, but it is a step in the right direction.
The Yes/No case has long been flawed and the government is right to dispense with it. But it will need to replace it with something else to counter misinformation – and do so with great care.
Of 44 referendums put to the Australian people since federation, only eight have passed – but those championing a First Nations Voice to Parliament need not be deterred.