Reconciliation NSW supports a Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution and is working with community leaders, organisations and individuals to make it a reality. We need your help.

“A First Nations Voice, protected by the Constitution, will mean that agreement-making and truth-telling can finally be done on equal terms. With Voice, we can begin the journey of coming together after a struggle.” – Makarrata.

What’s happening now

In August 2022, the Federal government announced its commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Before the end of the financial year 2023-24, Australia will go to Referendum to ask the Australian people to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in the constitution.

Two Groups: A Referendum Working Group and a Referendum Engagement Group have been appointed, and the national campaign to educate Australians on the Uluru Statement has commenced.

What needs to happen for a successful Referendum?

Section 128 of the Constitution provides that any proposed law to alter the Constitution must be passed by an absolute majority in both Houses of the Commonwealth Parliament. If passed by both Houses, it is submitted to a referendum at least two months, but less than six months, after it has been passed by Parliament.

Any change to the Constitution must be put forward to the Australian people of voting age. To successfully enshrine an Indigenous Voice in the Constitution, two things must happen:

1. A majority of voters in Australia must vote ‘yes’
2. A majority of votes in at least 4 out of 6 states must vote ‘yes’.

For more detail

The 2021 Final Report to the Australian Government on the Indigenous Voice Co-design Process  is a result of extensive consultation with First Nations peoples and communities in urban, regional and remote Australia.  The proposed Indigenous Voice detailed is an integrated system of 35 Local and Regional Voices, and an overarching National Voice.  Local & Regional Voices would be community-led, community-designed and community-run to set strategic directions to improve policy, program and service delivery outcomes that affect them. This ensures that local communities have input to decisions that affect them. The National Voice will comprise 24 members who will be selected by Local & Regional Voices.  The Voice would advise on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples social, spiritual and economic wellbeing to ensure their perspectives are considered throughout policy and legislation development. Representatives will include specific representation for Torres Strait Islanders and remote communities due to their unique needs.

RESOURCES

Week of Action: Use The Conversation Guide!

DOWNLOAD THE YES! CONVERSATION GUIDE

QUICK: See the 1 page overview explainer factsheet here.

Reconciliation NSW Voice Treaty Truth Toolkit

This toolkit contains detailed factsheets to host your own event, learn about the Uluru Statement, and have conversations to spread the word about a Voice to Parliament.

Uluru Statement from the Heart Toolkit

1. 1.1. Welcome, 1.2. The Uluru Statement from the Heart, 1.3. Call to Action – What can I do? 
2. Factsheets: 2.1. Voice, 2.2. Treaty, 2.3.Truth, 2.4. Makaratta, 2.5. Engaging with the Statement: FAQS and Discussion Prompts
3. Host an Event: 3.1. Host an Event: Why, What, Who, Where When and How, 3.2. Event Checklist Summary, 3.3. Event checklist template, 3.4. Welcome to Country guide, 3.5. Ideas for speakers and panellists to host your event, 3.6. Templates: invitation, sign-in sheet, & Media Release, 3.7. Social media kit
4. Advocacy and dinner table conversations: 4.1. Conversation guide & script, 4.2. Strategic Advocacy Framework, 4.4. Conversation Tips, 4.5. Key information for campaigning, 4.6. Debunking myths and addressing misinformation
5. Resources: 5.1. Training & Videos, 5.2. Reading List, 5.3. Printable resources, 5.4. Templates: MP letters, posters
6. Other: How to be a Good Ally, Support the Uluru Statement in your Workplace, Uluru Statement from the Heart artwork meaning

TRANSLATIONS: The Uluru Statement From the Heart has been translated into over 60 languages! Share them with communities!

Actions you can take now

• Inform yourself – with our downloadable FAQs and Toolkit
• Read and listen to the Uluru Statement from the Heart
• Start conversations with your friends and family – use the Yes! Campaign Conversation Guide
• Vote yes in the upcoming Referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in the Constitution!
• Support the Uluru Statement in your workplace
• Broaden your advocacy by joining a group (e.g. the Uluru Youth Network, a Local Reconciliation Group, the Voice from the Heart Alliance, a University student group, etc.)
• Get active on social media with the Uluru Statement Supporter Kit
• Sign up to the Uluru Statement and From the Heart to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership
• Follow @reconciliationNSW,  @voicetreatytruth and @ulurustatement. Join Uluru Statement from the Heart & First Nations Voice Supporters (Official)
• Become a member of Reconciliation NSW here, and stay up to date on the latest news
• Download posters and designs – display them in your office, on your car, on your phone etc.
• Write a letter to your MP – especially if them or their party have not yet shown support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

See our full  list of videos, films and explainers

Referendum council member Megan Davis presents the National Indigenous Constitution Convention’s statement at the closing ceremony in Mutitjulu, Northern Territory. This is a simple video to use to understand the core essence of the Uluru Statement, and to share with others.