History is calling.

This year, Australia will vote on whether to amend our Constitution to recognise our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Australian Services Union is proud to support the Voice to Parliament – it’s a historic change that will start to deliver long overdue justice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, and justice and solidarity has always been union business.

Last year, 100 ASU delegates unanimously moved a motion in support of the Uluru Statement from the heart.

Now it's time to make history - one conversation at a time.

FAQs.

What is the Voice to Parliament and why do we need it?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want simple, practical recognition that mean they have a say on issues that impacts their lives. Currently, there are significant gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in life expectancy, infant mortality, health, housing, education and employment. Politicians have spent billions on programs that have not fixed these problems or even delivered meaningful improvements. It is time we listen to Indigenous people and make decisions based on their local knowledge. The Voice will enshrine recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into the Constitution, and allow them the right to provide advice on matters that affect their communities.

Do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people support the Voice?

Over 80% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people support practical recognition through the Voice.

Will it give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people special rights?

No, this is about recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our Constitution with a Voice to Parliament, not a voice in Parliament. When the Constitution was drafted it deliberately excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is a moment in history that we can recognise their 65,000 years of continuous culture in our 122-year-old constitution.

The Voice to Parliament will operate like other reference groups that the Government listens to, which is a normal function of Government. We all know that big businesses and the mining lobby are listened to. Well, this is an opportunity for all Australians to come together and build a united country by including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.