Constitution of Australia

16/09/2023

Since 1901, 8 out 44 referendums (amendments to the Constitution) have passed/carried. Based on those statistics, there is a ≈18% chance that the upcoming referendum will pass and a ≈82% chance the referendum will not pass/carry. Historically, referendums have been difficult to pass because of the double majority requirement; the requirement being >50% of the electors in all states and territories combined as well as >50% of the electors in 4 out of the 6 states must vote affirmatively to the proposed amendment.

30/08/2023

The Voice to Parliament referendum will be held on 14 October 2023.

Australians will cast their first referendum vote in more than two decades in October, deciding the fate of a constitutionally-enshrined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

25/07/2023

Kamilaroi woman Louise Taylor will be appointed the first Indigenous female Supreme Court judge today. It is the second time she has made history, after she was appointed as the ACT's first Indigenous magistrate in 2018.

13/03/2023

What do you think about the following words being inserted into the Constitution, “The parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and the legal effect of its representations”.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has proposed new constitutional wording for the Voice to parliament in a bid to win over conservatives.

31/12/2022

Happy New Year folks - looks like 2023 is shaping up to be the year of the long awaited referendum, watch this space!

The Indigenous Australians Minister revealed the federal government will introduce legislation to parliament in March setting up the referendum.

25/08/2022

Indigenous authority will act as an independent umpire to oversee treaty negotiations with the state government

30/07/2022

A STATEMENT BY AMOS AND EBAN ROACH ON BEHALF OF THE ROACH FAMILY

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung Senior Elder, songman and storyteller Archie Roach.

Archie passed, surrounded by his family and loved ones, at Warrnambool Base Hospital after a long illness. We thank all the staff who have cared for Archie over the past month.

Archie wanted all of his many fans to know how much he loves you for supporting him along the way.

We are so proud of everything our dad achieved in his remarkable life. He was a healer and unifying force. His music brought people together.

A private ceremony will follow.

We ask that the media please respect the family’s privacy.

Archie’s sons, Amos and Eban Roach, have given permission for Archie’s name, image and music to be used, so that his legacy will continue to inspire.

Photograph by Phil Nitchie

29/07/2022

Anthony Albanese will announce three draft sentences that would amend the Constitution and a draft referendum question that would start the process for the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

09/07/2022

Today marks 51 years since the Aboriginal flag was first raised at a land rights rally in Tarntanyangga/Victoria Square, Adelaide, by its Wombai and Luritja designer, Harold Thomas. The flag continues to be an enduring symbol of unity, connection to Country and a representation of the strength and resilience of Aboriginal people.

Flying or displaying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags not only shows respect for, and recognition of, First Nations peoples, but also promotes a sense of community partnership and is a public commitment toward reconciliation.

Make sure to talk with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities about how the flags should be flown or displayed in your local community, where you work, play or socialise.

01/06/2022

A woman of firsts, in 2003 she became the first Aboriginal person in NSW Parliament, in 2016 she was the first Aboriginal woman in Federal Parliament. Today, the Wiradjuri woman became the Minister for Indigenous Australians.

22/05/2022

The Prime Minister-elect also announced that Wiradjuri woman Linda Burney would be Labor's Minister for Indigenous Affairs.

24/01/2022

The Aboriginal Flag can now be reproduced without permission paying a fee after negotiations with Luritja artist Harold Thomas.