Voice body forming
The Federal Government is forming a working group for the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The group will seek to answer some of the big questions on the process in the lead-up to the referendum, and will feature more than 20 Indigenous leaders from across the country, including Pat Anderson, Marcia Langton, Tom Calma, Pat Turner, Ken Wyatt and June Oscar.
It will be co-chaired by Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney and Special Envoy for Reconciliation and Implementation of the Uluru Statement Patrick Dodson.
Its remit includes the referendum's timing, question and information on the Voice to Parliament.
“These are the next steps, the plan on the road to the referendum,” Ms Burney says.
‘There is much to work to do, many more steps to be taken on the road to the referendum.
“Let's be clear, government cannot lead this referendum. This will come from the grassroots.”
Polling so far suggests a majority of Australians support a Voice to Parliament, but very few confidently understand what it would be.
A second “engagement” group has been commissioned to assist with understanding of the Voice and support for the “Yes” campaign among First Nations people and the broader community.
That group will be made up of representatives from land councils, local government and community-controlled service organisations.
“Everyone has a part to play. From sports clubs and schools to community groups, and, of course, the business community,” Ms Burney said.
“It's everyone's responsibility to get this done.”
The Greens’ Indigenous Affairs spokesperson Senator Lidia Thorpe says a referendum would be a “waste of money”, but the party will not block a referendum bill in the Senate.
The federal opposition is yet to reveal its stance on the Voice.