Voice to Parliament explained: How does a referendum work?

Australians will have their say on a Voice to Parliament on October 14. But what, exactly, happens next? We step you through the process.

The Voice to Parliament could change Australia’s landscape - so how does it work?

If the Yes vote wins, work will begin on the details of the Voice, including who will be on the panel, how they will be chosen and how it will work.

A working group has already established guiding principles.

The Voice will provide independent advice to parliament and government and will be chosen by First Nations people, based on the wishes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The Voice would help advise on matters relating to the social, spiritual and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Parliament and government would be obliged to consult it on matters that overwhelmingly relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Here are some frequently asked questions you need answered:

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE YES VOTE WINS?

The lines below will be added into the Constitution.

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

1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Governmentof the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

3. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”

HOW WILL THE VOICE TO PARLIAMENT WORK?

If the Yes vote wins, work will begin on the details including who will be on the panel, how they will be chosen and how it will work.

The referendum working group has highlighted these guiding principles:

■ It will provide independent advice to parliament and government.

■ It will be chosen by First Nations people based on the wishes of local communities.

■ It will be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

■ It will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful, culturally informed and gender balanced. It will also include youth.

■ It will be accountable and transparent.

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE VOICE TO PARLIAMENT?

The Voice would help advise the Australian parliament on matters relating to the social, spiritual and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Parliament and government would be obliged to consult it on matters that overwhelmingly relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

DO ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE SUPPORT THE VOICE?

According to the most recent polls, yes.

Reconciliation Australia reports that 86 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people believe the Voice is important.

There has also been multiple reports of surveys showing that between 80 per cent and 90 per cent of Indigenous Australians support the Voice.

Originally published as Voice to Parliament explained: How does a referendum work?