♦ Budgeram means story in Bundjalung language.
For generations First Nations people have consistently and persistently pointed to self-determination as being essential in making meaningful difference in the lives of our people. If successful it will improve the lives of First Nations people in Australia permanently through enshrined and empowered self-determination.
In 2017 The Referendum Council (federal government) held the National First Nations Constitutional Convention at Uluru to ratify the decision-making processes. The convention delegates drafted, and overwhelmingly endorsed, the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It called for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to parliament, and a Makarrata commission for a process of treaty-making and truth-telling.
Following the Uluru Statement of the Heart, the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition reported to federal parliament in 2018 on a referendum for constitutional recognition. The First Nations Voice is aimed at empowering First Nations peoples to participate in the policies and laws that affect them. The intention behind this initial report was to transform the relationship between First Nations peoples and the Australian government and improve the poor socioeconomic outcomes experienced by many First Nations people.
Voice to Parliament
A federal referendum is required to change the Constitution and it is essential that the First Nations Voice to parliament is enshrined in the Constitution, so it is not subject to the politics of the day. This means that no government can remove the Voice to parliament without another referendum.
The Albanese government has committed to a referendum in the second half of 2023 to ask Australians: ‘Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?’ This outcome is the result of decades of tireless engagement and commitment of First Nations people working to change the system to improve the systemic processes of government decision making about First Nations peoples.
Constitutional recognition through a Voice to parliament will enable First Nations people to provide advice to the parliament on policies and projects that impact our lives. Over many years government policies, programs and services have failed to reduce the objectives in ‘closing the gap’. The Voice to parliament will create a systematic process and structural change for First Nations people to participate in policy making. When First Nations voices have agency in informing decisions that impact our communities, families, and lives we will see policy that is made by First Nations people, not about us – true self-determination.
The referendum for constitutional change represents hope for a future where First Nations people can influence decisions made about us; it represents a foundation for a future with better outcomes for all Australians.
Debunk the myths
There are many myths circulating aimed at creating fear and misunderstanding. From the Heart is an organisation that has been providing information about the referendum to support Australians to make informed decisions on the referendum. For more information https://fromtheheart.com.au/what-is-a-voice-to-parliament/.
Currently the concept of referendum is enjoying support from both sides of politics, though the points of conflict and confusion around the referendum are on the details of what it is and how it would work. The Indigenous Voice Co-design Process Final Report was presented to parliament in 2021. Led by Marcia Langton and Tom Calma and commissioned by the former Morrison government, it contains 280 pages of detail about how the Voice could operate. The final report of the co-design process outlines an Indigenous Voice made up of two parts that work together; Local and Regional Voices and a National Voice. It recommended a body of 24 members, with two people from each state, territory and the Torres Strait, and a further five members from remote areas of the NT, WA, Queensland, WA and SA as well as a Torres Strait Islander living on the mainland. To date, the report has not been formally adopted by parliament.
For many First Nations people the Voice to parliament is a welcome advancement of our rights. While for many, treaty and truth-telling remain critical for the realisation of justice for First Nations people. In Victoria, treaty is in process; the Treaty Act and Framework outline the pathway to local and state-based treaties for the state. The Yoorrook Commission is a royal commission that is overseeing the process of truth-telling in Victoria and will inform the treaty process. Momentum is also building for treaty negotiations in Victoria, Queensland, the ACT and the NT, where government is supportive of the process.
The Uluru Statement of the Heart was the largest consensus of First Nations people speaking as one for the future of First Nations people. The referendum for constitutional change, the Voice, was one of three elements of this consensus. Truth-telling remains essential for healing, empathy and understanding and treaty is critical for justice, so we can walk into our future in peace. It’s time!
Author
Belle Budden is a local dubay of Wakka Wakka descent. ‘Living off country I pay my respect to the Arakwal people and the wider Bundjalung people of this land,’ says Belle.
Belle has worked in community for 15 years, Belle is an artist, dancer and weaver working across many other mediums. Belle is passionate about community and has committed to empowering women and young people through cultural practice. She has worked in government, arts and community organisation to advocate for improved access to land, culture and services. Belle is currently employed at Desert Pea Media as the Projects Manager.
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