The Indigenous Voice to Parliament, also known as the Voice, is a proposed Australian federal advisory body that would comprise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives chosen by Indigenous communities from around the country. The Voice would make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It would be able to make representations proactively and respond to requests for representations from the Parliament and the Executive Government. The Voice would have its own resources to allow it to research, develop, and make representations.
The Voice is a proposed change to the Australian Constitution that would recognize the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australias history. If the referendum is successful, the constitution can be amended with the proposed changes. Enshrining the Voice in the constitution, as opposed to legislating it, would set a much higher bar for getting rid of it again. The Parliament would have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers, and procedures of the Voice.
The Voice would be a permanent advisory body that would give advice to the government about the issues that affect First Nations peoples. It would improve the lives of First Nations peoples by giving them a say on policies and laws that impact them. The Voice would be set up as an advisory body that provides advice to Parliament and the government on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. If successful, the Voice will have the mandate of the Australian people to be heard, but ultimately the Parliament will always have the final say.