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 Home

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

On Saturday, 14 October 2023, Australians voted in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The referendum did not pass.

On Saturday, 14 October 2023, Australians voted in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The referendum was an historic event – it was the first referendum of the 21st century. 

The referendum did not pass.

The referendum was about changing the Constitution. The outcome of the vote does not affect the Government’s commitment to reconciliation or the work already underway across governments to create better outcomes for First Nations people. 

The Government remains committed to listening and working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to achieve better outcomes. 

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap and other initiatives will continue to ensure practical progress in Indigenous health, education, employment and housing.