Indigenous Australians
About Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia, descended from groups that existed in Australia and surrounding islands before British colonisation.
Hurt ripples in wake of Indigenous Voice vote
... But when in life outcomes between First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians have instead seen many widen, the Voice was a new approach that offered a glimmer of hope for many...
The Voice: Australians vote No in historic referendum
... The suicide rate among Indigenous Australians, for example, is almost double that of non-Indigenous Australians...
'My ancestors were invisible. I want to be visible'
... " The Voice is about assimilating us into the colonial constitution to make us nice, neat little Indigenous Australians that will continue to be oppressed by the coloniser, " she says...
The Voice: Why Australia trails New Zealand on Indigenous journey
... Of those populations, Indigenous Australians make up 3...
Voice referendum: Indigenous rights vote is a reckoning for Australia
... Yes advocates say it s a " modest yet profound" change that will allow Indigenous Australians to take " a rightful place" in their own country - which has often dragged its heels confronting its past...
Voice referendum: Lies fuel racism ahead of Australia's Indigenous vote
... The suicide rate among Indigenous Australians, for example, is that of non-Indigenous Australians...
Voice referendum: Australia to hold historic Indigenous vote in October
... The Voice would be " a committee of Indigenous Australians, chosen by Indigenous Australians, giving advice to government so that we can get a better result for Indigenous Australians" he said...
Colonisation by British 'luckiest thing' to happen to Australia - John Howard
... This week, one of its leaders faced calls to resign after doubling down on comments that Indigenous Australians should undergo blood tests to prove their lineage, to receive welfare payments...
Voice referendum: Australia to hold historic Indigenous vote in October
By Tiffanie TurnbullBBC News, Sydney
Australians will vote in a historic referendum on 14 October to decide whether to enact an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
If approved, The vote would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in The country's constitution, and establish a permanent Body for them to give advice on laws.
The Proposal is The subject of fierce debate in Australia.
The country has not had a successful referendum in almost 50 Years .
For it to succeed, a majority of Australians need to vote yes. There also needs to be majority support in at least four of Australia's six states.
The composition, functions and powers of The Body - whose advice would not be binding - would then be designed and debated by The Parliament .
Announcing The poll date at a rally in Adelaide, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called The vote " a once-in-a-generation chance to bring Our Country together and to change it for The better".
The Voice would be " a committee of Indigenous Australians , chosen by Indigenous Australians , giving advice to government so that we can get a better result for Indigenous Australians " He Said .
" You're being asked. . to Say Yes to an idea whose time has Come - to Say Yes to an invitation that comes directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people themselves. "
It was recommended by a historic document in 2017 called The Uluru Statement from The Heart . Drafted by More Than 250 Indigenous leaders, The Statement is considered The Best - though not unanimous - Call to action for reforms which affect First Nations Australians.
Australia is The only Commonwealth country that has never signed a treaty with its Indigenous people, and advocates say The Voice is an important step towards reconciliation.
Indigenous Australians face disproportionate levels of disadvantage across Society - Something Australia has long struggled to address.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton , a Voice opponent, says there it not enough detail behind The Proposal , and controversially asserts it could racially divide Australians.
But many No Campaigners - including Mr Dutton - have been accused of race-baiting and spreading disinformation.
They have in turn accused The Yes campaign of elitism and of dismissing valid concerns of everyday Australians.
Mental Health advocates have warned The intensity and tone of The Debate is taking a toll on Indigenous people.
Australia last held a referendum in 1999, when it opted not to become a republic.
Only eight of Australia's 44 referendums have been successful - The Most recent in 1977. None have passed without bipartisan support.
Related TopicsSource of news: bbc.com