2022‑2023

The Parliament of the

Commonwealth of Australia

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Presented and read a first time

Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023

No.      , 2023

(Attorney‑General)

A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

Contents

1............ Short title............................................................................................. 1

2............ Commencement................................................................................... 2

3............ Schedule 1........................................................................................... 2

Schedule 1—Alteration of the Constitution                                                           3

A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

The Parliament of Australia, with the approval of the electors, as required by the Constitution, enacts:

1  Short title

                   This Act is the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023.

2  Commencement

                   This Act commences on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent.

3  Schedule 1

                   The Constitution is altered as set out in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1—Alteration of the Constitution

1  Table of contents

After:

Chapter VIII          Alteration of the Constitution

insert:

Chapter IX             Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

2  After Chapter VIII

Insert:

Chapter IX—Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

129  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

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

                      (i)  there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

                     (ii)  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;

                    (iii)  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.