ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Indigenous.gov.au Connecting With First Nations Australians
Back to News

Have Your Say on the Indigenous Voice Proposals

28 January 2021
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
Indigenous Voice - Have your say

Find out how you can have your say on the Indigenous Voice proposals.

The proposals for an Indigenous Voice would provide a way for Indigenous Australians to provide advice and input on matters that are important to improve their lives. 

Now is the time to have your say on these proposals.

Three Indigenous Voice co-design groups made up of 52 members from around the country have worked together to develop two proposals for what an Indigenous Voice could look like and how it could work.

The proposed Indigenous Voice is made up of two important parts – Local and Regional Voices, and a National Voice. Local and Regional Voices and the National Voice could work together to share information, consult and provide advice.

The proposal for a Local and Regional Voice is a regional level governance structure that would:

  • be designed and led by communities
  • provide advice to all levels of government about what's important to communities in the region
  • work in partnership with all governments to make plans on how to meet community aspirations and deliver on local priorities
  • provide local views to the National Voice on national issues.

The proposal for a National Voice is a national body made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that:

  • could provide advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on laws, policies and programs
  • could engage early with the Australian Parliament and Government in the development of policies and laws.

We need your feedback and views on the two proposals.

You can do this by:

  • completing an online survey at voice.niaa.gov.au  
  • sharing your feedback and ideas via social media by using #IndigenousVoice in your posts
  • providing a submission on the proposal at voice.niaa.gov.au  
  • sending your feedback to this address:

    Voice Secretariat

    Reply Paid 83380

    CANBERRA ACT 2601

In early 2021, face-to-face consultation sessions will be held across Australia, where it is COVID-safe to do so. To keep up to date with these sessions please regularly check the Indigenous Voice website.

If you want more information on the proposals or ways to provide feedback, visit voice.niaa.gov.au.