The federal government has announced the proposed question Australians will be asked at this year’s referendum and the draft constitutional amendment that would enable an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The referendum will ask:
“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”
As required by the constitution for a change to the constitution the question will include the actual wording to be added.
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
3. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.
This has to be passed in Parliament then within 6 months has to put to the people a a referendum. The vote has to obtain a majority over all and in the majority of states. (None of your vague Brexit like vote here)
Only 8 out of 44 proposed changes to the constitution have been successful so it is always an uphill battle to make changes.