Voice to Parliament Referendum
Reducing misinformation has always been a high priority for MotHs.
MotHs has been raising awareness, connecting mothers, supporting research and promoting local businesses since 2015 and we’ve dedicated ourselves to supporting women through the years of motherhood, connecting mothers to services and promoting local businesses.
During the 2020 COVID Lockdowns and in the lead-up to local, state and federal elections, we’ve strived to provide access to candidates and links to information and resources to support decision-making, all while remaining bipartisan.
On Saturday, 14 October 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Voters will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a single question. The question on the ballot paper will be:
“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?”
All eligible Australian citizens aged 18 years and over will vote on whether Australia should change its Constitution. Whether you’ve yet to decide or are unsure of what the Voice to Parliament Referendum is about, we’ve found the official links so that you can make an informed decision on October 14th.
The Constitution
The Australian Constitution took effect on 1st January 1901, setting out how Australia is governed. Understanding the role the Australian Constitution plays in Australian society, is an important step to being an informed voter in this and any referendum. The Australian Electoral Commission has this page dedicated to explaining the Australian Constitution, how it was formed and why.
The Question
Here is a great video from the Australian Electoral Commission about the question and what voters are being asked to do.
The official referendum booklet
The official referendum booklet contains:
the Yes/No referendum pamphlet, which contains the Yes and No cases prepared by parliamentarians who voted for and against the proposed law. This has not been amended or fact checked by the AEC.
the official guide, which provides information on where to vote, what happens at the polling place, and what the ballot paper looks like. This was written by the AEC.
We hope this information will ensure you are informed come October 14th. Regardless of the outcome, MotHs will continue to support, connect and advocate on issues that affect our community.