UTAS Invermay campus plays host to important Voice to Parliament conversation

Community leaders are set to enter conversation about the Voice to Parliament and what it will mean for Tasmania at UTAS in Launceston.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, Indigenous leader Nick Cameron, Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer and former Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein will tonight share their thoughts.

Blog comments during the live event below:

Duncan Bailey 16 HRS AGO “A voice would help deliver a fairer and stronger Tasmania,” Ms Urquhart said.
“We have a historic opportunity in front of us, let’s not waste it.” 

Joe Colbrook 16 HRS AGO The Voice will “benefit all of us” and “make us richer as a country” she said. 

Joe Colbrook 16 HRS AGO Senator Urquhart says a lot of what is being said is “absolute rubbish” and there needs to be a focus on truth, kindness and compassion.

Duncan Bailey 16 HRS AGO “We need motivation now, and that’s what we’re going to get,” Ms Urquhart said.
“These conversations aren’t easy but they need to happen.” 

Joe Colbrook 16 HRS AGO She says Australians need “more motivation” and act, having conversations around kitchen tables, schools and workplaces.

Joe Colbrook 17 HRS AGO Senator Anne Urquhart is now concluding the event.

Duncan Bailey 17 HRS AGO”I have faith in you, it’s about making sure discussions are respectful, honest, and kind; that’s our job,” Ms Burney said.

Joe Colbrook 17 HRS AGO. Ms Burney says “this is going to get ugly” but she has faith in people that they will make the discussion respectful, honest and kind. 

Joe Colbrook 17 HRS AGO. For most Australians, he says, there will be no change but it will significantly impact the lives of Indigenous Australians. “Don’t fall for the fear,” he says. 0 0

When?

Later in 2023, Australians will be asked whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The independent and permanent advisory body would give advice to the government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The wording of the question was ratified by Parliament on June 19, and when the referendum happens Australians will be asked the following:

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Do you approve this proposed alteration?”