Australians vote on October 14 in a referendum on recognizing indigenous peoples – Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders – in the country’s constitution.
The amendment to the Constitution aims to give more voice to the first peoples of Australia, for years neglected, through the instrument “Voice to Parliament”. The proposal provides for the creation of an indigenous committee to advise the federal parliament on matters of interest to the aborigines.
The referendum, made possible by the current government, is politically controversial and the country’s minister seeks support among the population that, according to polls, is not inclined to recognize the original peoples in its Magna Carta.
“On that day, every Australian will have a unique opportunity to unite our country and change it for the better,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday.
In the vote, only one question will be asked: “Bob Bill: Do you support amending the Constitution to recognize Australia’s First Peoples, establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the country?” The answer should only be “yes” or “no”.
The proposal drew attention and took over social media, as the government and opponents of Aboriginal inclusion launched a vigorous campaign to capture voters.
A double majority vote is required for the proposal to pass — more than 50% of voters nationwide and at least 50% in most states. Votes in territories – Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory – will only be included in the national total.
The vote is seen as a pivotal moment, not just because constitutional change is rare and irreversible, but because it shed light on issues that have festered for centuries.
The “Voice to Parliament” instrument, if approved, would enshrine in the constitution a body composed of indigenous peoples to advise the government on the laws that concern them.
Supporters of the proposal say the vote is an opportunity to heal the open wounds of injustice, to finally listen to indigenous peoples after generations of persecution, racism and neglect.
In the case of the mostly conservative opponents, they say it is a symbolic gesture that, at best, will amount to nothing and risks dividing the nation by giving some Australians a “special” place above others in the constitution.
See also: Get to know the ministries of the Lula government that include the portfolio of the Original Peoples of Brazil:
Source: CNN Brasil
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