Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023

# Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023 ## What it does This bill adds a new chapter to Australia's Constitution that creates an official body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The Voice would be able to give advice and make suggestions directly to Parliament and the Government about laws and policies affecting First Peoples. Parliament would then decide the specific rules about how the Voice is set up, who sits on it, and how it operates. ## Why it matters Currently, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples don't have a guaranteed formal way to advise Parliament on issues affecting them. This change would enshrine that right in the Constitution—the highest law of the land—making it harder to remove or ignore in future. It's a recognition of First Peoples as Australia's original inhabitants and gives them an official seat at the table when decisions are made. ## Key details - **Constitutional amendment required**: This needs to pass Parliament *and* be approved by Australian voters in a referendum before it becomes law - **Parliament sets the details later**: The Constitution change only establishes the Voice exists and can advise Parliament—actual laws about its structure, membership, and powers will be decided separately by Parliament - **Applies nationwide**: The Voice would advise the federal government on all matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia