Voice to Parliament Referendum this weekend
This weekend, on Saturday 14 October 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum to decide on amending the Constitution. This change aims to recognise Australia’s First Peoples by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
It is vital that everyone who is eligible to vote considers the weight and importance of the question fully and informs themselves of the history and issues that sit behind the referendum.
If you need to know more, read All you need to know about voting in the Voice to Parliament referendum.
Deakin also has a range of resources to support your understanding of a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote. Read our Voice to Parliament Referendum student guide.
What next – a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote
If the referendum is approved, it progresses to the Governor-General for assent. Once this is granted, the Constitution will be amended to establish the ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice’.
Further legislation will define its structure and function. Consultations will precede this legislation.
If the referendum does not pass, the Constitution remains unchanged.
Social and emotional wellbeing resources
We recognise and acknowledge that the lead up to the referendum, and subsequent results may have a significant impact on all First Nations students and staff. We encourage students to reach out by accessing the following services and resources.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culturally safe crisis support can be obtained 24/7 from 13 YARN (13 92 76).
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet have collated resources aimed at supporting and reducing social and emotional harms to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the period prior and post the Voice referendum.
Deakin students can access free counselling, which includes a dedicated Social and Emotional Wellbeing Counsellor for First Nations students. Additional appointments have been made available. Please contact the Deakin Health and Wellbeing Centre to make an appointment.
After the referendum
Supporting First Nations Australians transcends the outcome of any single referendum. Regardless of the result, we must acknowledge and respect the unique history, culture, and rights of Indigenous Australians.
Our dedication to uplifting First Nations Australians remains steadfast, irrespective of any referendum’s outcome.
You can read more about Deakin’s ongoing commitments in our Indigenous Strategy 2023-2028.