THE SQUIZ
In a crucial moment for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament process, PM Anthony Albanese has outlined the question that Aussies will be asked in this year’s referendum. After a snap Cabinet meeting to approve the wording yesterday, Albanese was emotional as he unveiled the words, saying the Voice proposal was a “modest request” to improve the lives of Indigenous Aussies.

GET ON WITH IT – WHAT ARE THE WORDS?
The question: ‘A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?’

And the alteration: In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

• There shall be a body to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”

WHAT’S THE RESPONSE BEEN, AND WHERE TO NEXT?
One of the big issues that keeps popping up is how broad the wording is, and yesterday Peter Dutton voiced the Coalition’s concerns. He says “if you’re putting forward a form of words which is open to a broad interpretation by the High Court, then the parliament can’t rectify that. That’s the issue here”. But working group member Professor Marcia Langton said after many royal commissions and inquiries into Indigenous disadvantage, the Voice is an opportunity “to draw a line in the sand and say this has to change.” As for the next steps: a joint parliamentary committee will consider the proposal, and then MPs and Senators get their say, which means the possibility of amendments. Albanese says he’s not for shifting, and what was outlined yesterday “is the government’s position.” Parliament will vote on the referendum legislation in June, which is slated to be held between October and December