The 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum was an unsuccessful constitutional referendum held on 14 October 2023. The referendum aimed to alter the Constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. However, the proposal was rejected nationally and by a majority in every state, failing to secure the double majority required for amendment by section 128 of the constitution.
A referendum in Australia is a vote of the Australian people on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution. The process involves several steps, including the passing of a bill by Parliament, the issuance of a writ by the Governor-General, and Australians voting "Yes" or "No" on the proposed change. If the referendum is approved by a double majority, it is passed.
The 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum was significant as it aimed to recognize Indigenous Australians in the countrys constitution and establish a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, the outcome of the referendum was a rejection of the proposed alteration.
