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2023 Voice to Parliament Referendum
The 2023 referendum journey was a significant moment in Australia’s history. It brought hope and anticipation, as well as deep disappointment following the defeat of a proposal that sought to provide First Nations Peoples with a constitutional voice in matters affecting them. While the referendum did not succeed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue the process of healing, and the journey towards recognition, reconciliation, and justice.
Click above to access the SBS Voice Referendum portal
Catholic response to the Referendum
Like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, the Catholic Church is made up of a range of perspectives, making a unified position on the referendum difficult. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council supported the Voice and stated that “By working in tandem with truth-telling, a robust First Nations Voice will serve as the bedrock for the journey towards reconciliation.”
While the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference had previously expressed support for the Uluru Statement, it did not openly endorse the Voice to Parliament, instead calling for a meaningful and respectful debate, acknowledging that people may, in good faith, have differing concerns and perspectives.”
Did most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People support the Voice?
It would be incorrect to assume that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people think the same way on all issues. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is made up of a rich diversity of experiences, beliefs and opinions.
However, electoral data has revealed that areas with a large proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents predominantly voted yes. Over 10,000 remote Ballots counted showed a 72% support for the YES vote.
Referendum Timeline
21 May 2022
The Voice referendum was first proposed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his election night victory speech. The Voice to Parliament was the first of 3 recommendations (Voice, Truth and Treaty) from the Uluru Statement.
30 July 2022
The draft wording of the constitutional amendment and referendum question was revealed at the Garma Festival
23 March 2023
The Australian Government officially announced that the referendum would take place on 14 October 2023
14 October 2023
Australians went to the polls to vote YES or NO to the following question - 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?
The referendum saw only 39.9% of votes in favour, with no state achieving a majority, though the Australian Capital Territory
did vote in favour.
It did not pass.
One Journey, Together:
NATSICC, in partnership with Caritas Australia created the One Journey together Project which aimed to inform and educate Catholics about the Voice Referendum. It contains resources and discernment guides, videos from communities and statements of support from Catholic agencies.
One Journey Together website