At the Garma festival the PM Albo (who always looks like he wishes he was somewhere else) has outlined the government’s plan to enact the Uluru Statement from the Heart. He said that there will be a referendum but given no time frame. other than in his first term of government.
The legislation for the changes to the constitution has to get through Parliament before it can be put to a referendum. The government is proposing three sentences be added, these are the starting point:
There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to Parliament and the Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
According to the government, the draft provisions aren’t final and will provide the basis for further consultation.
At the moment this is opposed by the opposition, no referendum has ever been successful unless it has be supported by both sides of parliament.
This is the wording that will be added to the Australian Constitution if the Referendum to be held this this is successful. It comprises a new chapter heading and section:
Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
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.
The question put to the people at the referendum will be:
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?
To succeed the referendum needs a double majority, a majority of “Yes” votes overall AND be passed in a majority of states (4 out of the 6)
Albos on the ropes !!- greens opposing him in the chamber - on issue of providing more affordable accomdation for lower classess - God I do love a good labor man!! - greens and conservatives opposing could cause an early election call which had several ramifications!!
that;s were ya wrong buddie - if albo starts losing credibility the voters change and maybe less are with the referendum - gotta watch the pinballs and which way the pins are movin - hold loose there daddyo!!
aw fgs - a friend asked me the other day "why are we doin all this referendum stuff we don’t do it for italians and greeks etc etc - - I replied in frustration "because it was their bloody country in the first place and we stole it off of them - we are not givin the country back to them just a committee to bring up specific issues - and they are the most disadvantaged group in the country with bad health indices etc - and there is only less than 1 million representing 3.8% of the total popn? - any more silly questions??
