Senator Jana Stewart
Member of the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum 
Senator for Victoria

The Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum has recommended the Parliament pass the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) Bill 2023 without amendment. 

This is an important step towards recognising First Nations Australians in our constitution.  

In March, the House of Representatives and the Senate agreed to an inquiry into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum. The Committee, composed of seven Labor members, four Coalition members, and two members from the crossbench, were appointed to report on the legislative provisions of the Constitution Alteration Bill, recently introduced by the Government. 

Over the last few weeks, members of the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum have travelled across the country, and attended hearings in Canberra (Ngunnawal and Ngambri land), Perth (Whadjuk country), Cairns (Gimuy Walaburra Yidinji and Yirrangangi land) and Orange (Wiradjuri country). 

The Committee heard from 68 witnesses over five days of public hearings and received 270 submissions. Witnesses included First Nations Elders, legal experts, local councillors, and representatives of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.  

The Committee’s report is supported by a majority of Committee members including two non-Government members: Senator for Western Australia Dorinda Cox and Mr Andrew Gee MP. 

The Report reflects the overwhelming consensus of constitutional legal experts and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups, who told the Committee that the amendment is constitutionally sound. This is a proposal that will unite our country. 
  

The 2023 referendum will be a unifying moment – it’s about taking Australia forward, for everyone. This is the best chance we have had to address the injustices of the past and create change that will deliver a better future.   

The Voice will help bring about practical change by providing First Nations people with a direct line of advice to the Australian Parliament and Government. 

Every Australian will have the opportunity to vote for constitutional recognition of First Nations Australians in the referendum later this year.   

Further information on the inquiry and the advisory report can be found on the Committee’s website: www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_Voice_Referendum 

Quotes Attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart:

“A constitutionally enshrined Voice will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians an opportunity for practical and lasting change in policy areas such as health, child protection, and the justice system. It will give us a say in the matters that affect our communities.

“Australian people know that it’s time to unite our country. This recommendation from the committee gets us one step closer. The referendum later this year will provide the pathway to make that a reality. Let’s walk together to a better future for all Australians.”