Here is a selection of resources to help you make an informed decision on 14 October, when Australia votes in the Referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
Information on the proposal of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, developed by the Australian government. Includes links to the referendum question and constitutional amendment, the Voice Information Booklet and a community toolkit which includes various multimedia resources.
An interactive exploration of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the proposed Voice to Parliament – the first of the proposed reforms called for by the Statement. Use this as a starting point to link to a wealth of resources, including an explanation of the Voice, a historical timeline of reform and an online training course on the Voice.
The national not-for-profit foundation has compiled FAQs and downloadable resources on the proposed First Nations Voice to Parliament. You’ll find a video on debunking common myths and misconceptions about the Voice as well.
Learn about: overseas voting, completing a Referendum ballot paper, and finding a place to vote, among other info. Plus, an explainer video of what exactly a referendum is.
Disinformation register | Australian Electoral Commission Heard a rumour or two about how it will all work? Check this list of disinformation around the Voice, and the actions that the AEC has taken in response.
UC’s Professor Kim Rubenstein and James Blackwell from the ANU have joined forces in an eight-part podcast series, unpacking all aspects of the Australian Constitution – including how the Constitution came to be, what is in it already, and what the 2023 Referendum is about.
This podcast is also available on Spotify, Apple, and Google.
Click here for an educational resource kit which will help you consider the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum through a human rights lens.
Check out the many and diverse authors who pen their thoughts on the subject.
A statement from the University of Canberra on supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
A First Nations Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution is a key element of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The Freedom Ride of 1965 saw a group of university students draw national and international attention to the appalling living conditions of Aboriginal people and the racism that was rife in New South Wales country towns, with a 15-day bus journey through regional New South Wales.
The Virtual Freedom Ride 2023 was inspired by the 1965 Freedom Ride and started with UC students and staff. The folks behind VFR have tackled some of the prevalent myths about the Voice – you can also sign up to be part of the VFR on the main page.
A video discussing the on the origins, purpose, and constitutional implications of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
From the Law Council of Australia’s panel discussion with Professor Megan David, the Hon Kenneth Hayne AC KC, Professor Cheryl Saunders AO, and Greg McIntyre SC, moderated by Law Council President, Luke Murphy.
Professor Kim Rubenstein is a Constitutional expert – she steps in to tackle some of the community’s most-asked questions.
The University of Canberra held this series of free and engaging lectures and discussions to provide a forum for constructive dialogue on aspects of the proposed Voice to Parliament.
One of the voices shaping the debate, prominent Liberal MP and Indigenous advocate Julian Leeser shared about his heritage, his journey in choosing to stand up for Indigenous rights and perspectives on the proposed Voice to Parliament.
Speakers Julian Leeser MP, Member for Berowra, the University of Canberra’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Maree Meredith and Aunty Mary Atkinson held this event to provide information about the Voice to Parliament referendum.
Indigenous leader and University of Canberra alumna, Patricia Turner AM, is the CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO). In this lecture, she drew on her more than 40 years of experience in government, business and academia senior leadership to talk about the significance of the Voice in Closing the Gap.
Dr Anne Aly MP, Member for Cowan, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth drew on her expertise in international relations to talk about the significance of recognition and voice in an international context. The lecture also featured First Nations representatives working in international affairs and Australia Awards Scholars.
The annual Ngunnawal Lecture is a free public event for the Canberra community with a focus on giving voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views on the many topics that shape their communities and Australia as a whole. This year’s lecture was part of the University of Canberra's Voice to Parliament Lecture series, a night of story and song aimed at building understanding and constructive dialogue about the proposed Voice to Parliament.
The lecture was presented by Thomas Mayo and Shane Howard.
Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man Thomas Mayo is a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), Chairperson of the Northern Territory Indigenous Labor Network and a director on the Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition board.
Shane Howard is an influential musician, writer and poet – for over 40 years, his songs have challenged existing social paradigms and colonisation, championed the people and explored the meaning of being a modern Australian.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, academics and journalists will discuss the role of media in informing and educating the public about the Voice to Parliament referendum. The panel will include Peter Radoll (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Equity and Inclusion at Victoria University), Michelle Grattan (chief political correspondent, The Conversation and UC Professorial Fellow), Karen Middleton (chief political correspondent, The Saturday Paper and UC Hon Doctorate holder) and David Nolan (Associate Professor, News and Media Research Centre, UC).
The event is hosted by the Amplifying Indigenous News project (based in the News and Media Research Centre) and the Office of Indigenous Leadership.
Office of Indigenous Leadership
Building 1, Level D, Room 125
University of Canberra
pvci@canberra.edu.au+61 02 6206 8678
