Australians decide against creating an Indigenous Voice to advise Parliament on minority issues [View all]

[Eugene]

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Source: Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australians voted in a referendum Saturday against enshrining in the nation’s constitution a mechanism for Indigenous people to advise Parliament on policies that affect their lives.

Proponents said creating an Indigenous Voice via the constitution would recognize the special place that Indigenous people have in Australian history while giving them input in government policies.

Opponents argued it would divide Australians along racial lines without reducing Indigenous disadvantages.

Bipartisan support regarded as essential in Australia for successfully changing the constitution never emerged, and Indigenous leaders were divided on the idea.

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BY ROD MCGUIRK
Updated 6:47 AM EDT, October 14, 2023


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/australia-indigenous-voice-referendum-6e9a9a7916a6024479d9e985f28e2d5e