On 14 October 2023, Australians will be asked via Referendum if there should be constitutional recognition of Indigenous people through a Voice to Parliament.
A Voice to Parliament would be an independent advisory body which makes representations to the Australian Parliament and Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Woollahra Council is committed to reconciliation and building greater understanding and respect among all people who live, work in and visit Woollahra. As part of this commitment, on 27 March Council resolved to support the Voice to Parliament (the Yes Vote) and the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Our support for the Yes Vote will involve educating the Woollahra community on what a Voice will mean for Indigenous people and Australian society as a whole, providing a platform for First Nations voices to be heard and consultation with Indigenous organisations including the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Gujaga Foundation.
Council’s resolution follows the recent adoption of our Reconciliation Action Plan, which details our vision for reconciliation and the steps we are taking to develop and enhance relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
How and where to vote
Early voting
If you are unable to attend a polling centre on Saturday 14 October, you can vote before the election date at an early voting centre. These centres will remain open until Friday 13 October.
"If you’re busy on Saturday or aren’t certain of your circumstances then you need to plan where and when you’ll be able to cast your vote." said Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers.
"Voting in a referendum is compulsory.
Early voting centre locations, their opening days and hours are available on the AEC website.
Voting on referendum day
There are many voting centres open on Saturday 14 October for you to cast your vote.
Referendum day voting centre locations and hours are available on the AEC website.
How to vote
At a referendum, you will receive a ballot paper with the proposed alteration to the Constitution on it, followed by a question asking if you approve the proposed alteration. On the referendum ballot paper you need to indicate your vote by clearly writing:
YES in the box if you approve the proposed alteration, OR
NO in the box if you do not approve the proposed alteration.
Visit the AEC website for more information and a sample ballot paper to practise voting in the Referendum.
Yes / No Cases
The Australian Electoral Commission has published the official Yes and No cases for the Voice to Parliament. These online documents aim to give Australian voters an insight into both cases, ahead of the referendum to be held later this year.
Note: The AEC was not involved in the development of the content in the Yes and No cases. The words in the Yes and No cases are as supplied by the respective parliamentary committees.
Read the Yes case document.
Read the No case document.
Find out more:
The Voice to Parliament
The Uluru Statement
Yes23: Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition
Campaign Resources
Yes Guide
Wentworth for the Voice
Interesting reads on The Voice to Parliament, Uluru Statement from the Heart, and Truth telling
Woollahra Libraries staff have created a fascinating list of books related to The Voice to Parliament, available to borrow from our eCollection or off the shelf.
Check out the book list.
Authorised by Craig Swift-McNair, General Manager, Woollahra Municipal Council, 536 New South Head Road Double Bay NSW 2028.