This year, Australians will have their say in a referendum to recognise First Nations peoples in the Constitution through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The Voice will be an independent, representative advisory body for First Nations people. It will provide a permanent means to advise the Australian Parliament and Government on the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on matters that affect them. 

Calls for constitutional recognition of First Nations people have been a constant for decades. These calls became especially prominent in 2017, following the Uluru Statement From The Heart. 

The Uluru Statement From The Heart is an invitation to the Australian people to walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples  to build a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution, and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty making and truth-telling.