Young people between 18 and 25 are being called to action over the Voice to Parliament referendum that will give First Nations Australians recognition in Australia’s Constitution and the opportunity to give advice on policy that will directly affect Indigenous Australians.
The referendum vote is set for Saturday, 14 October and all Australian citizens over 18 are required to vote. This is the last week you can enrol to vote and be eligible to vote in the referendum. You need to have enrolled online by 8pm on Monday, 18 September.
‘The future of our country affects young people more than any other demographic so it’s important that we get our say in the important decisions that will shape all our futures,’ one recently enrolled 18-year-old told The Echo.
The AEC (Australian Electoral Commission) estimates that up to ten per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds aren’t currently enrolled to vote and it is this youth vote that could have a significant influence over the outcome of the referendum if they are registered and able to vote in the referendum.
‘The Constitution took effect on 1 January 1901 and is the founding document that sets out how Australia is governed,’ states the AEC website.
‘The Constitution has a special status as it overrides all other laws and can’t be changed by the Parliament of the day. While the Constitution enables Parliament to create or change laws (legislation), the Constitution itself can only be changed through a vote by the Australian people – a referendum.’
‘Registering to vote was pretty quick and easy online,’ said the local 18-year-old who didn’t want to be identified.
‘The Voice proposes the creation of a committee that will advise the Australian government on issues involving Indigenous Australians. This won’t give First Nations people more rights or make them more important than any other Australian citizen so I don’t think it fosters racial segregation or unfair treatment as some people have suggested.
‘It also doesn’t give the power to divert funding or resources by the committee as the Voice is only there to give First Nations Australians advice, to the government, in the decisions that affect them.
‘This referendum is our chance to create government representation for First Nations people and create a more fair and equal Australia. Enroll to vote and use your voice to give First Nations people the voice they deserve.’
To enrol go online to: https://www.aec.gov.au/enrol and complete the form.
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