Will the Voice to Parliament fix First Nations issues? | 60 Minutes Australia 

I am a proud indigenous Australian. I will be voting NO. This type of thing has no place in our country. We are ONE. We are Australians. That is all. What example does this set. In my mind it's opening the door to every group and 'I feel marginalised' community to want their own individual voices to be heard by parliament. Then even less will be done and more money wasted while we cater to the demands of a few loud voices seeking personal gain while claiming to represent various issues...

All Australians have an Equal voice with our Vote. We have 11 Indigenous Australians in Parliament. I will be Voting no to this divisive proposal. Just the idea of the Voice has caused Australia to be more divided that ever. As time passes by I am also seeing more and more Indigenous Australians saying they don't want it.

Good report. I'm voting no because there is zero room for racial division in this country, period. The Voice is wrong on principle.

I always pay the fine vs voting, but I will be making sure vote NO, dividing the country is a terrible idea. Looking at New Zealand its only made thing worse as it's a total mess. More reason to vote NO

True indigenous living on country don’t want it… listen to their voice not the opinions of advocates.

We saw the way this so called caring government showed how much they cared for the problems the aboriginal community in Alice Springs faced by not showing up to one council meeting in Alice springs. Albo and Linda Burney couldn't care less about the aboriginals.

What will The Voice achieve that Linda Burney can't achieve as the minister of Aboriginal Affairs?

The WA cultural heritage act attacking farmers and conservationists rights to dig holes caused the public to question their beliefs about the intentions of labour and indigenous leaders across this nation. If small farms and landcare will be a thing of the past with a voice to parliament, the people won’t allow it. And after WA opened our eyes to the massive threat it poses, there’s not going to be time to undo that damage before we go to the polls.

A great question for Anthony Albanese would be: is he willing to pay for a contractor that had no end date and no exact cost, he just has to keep giving a blank check forever? I don't think he would sign up for that. Hypocrite.

Billions of Tax Payer dollars are spent on Aboriginal affairs every year. Where are the measures of positive outcomes for Aboriginals? We don't need a voice, we need an independent annual audit showing what is being achieved and at what cost.

It comes down to a basic question. Should we all be treated equal under the laws of the land or not? If you think yes, Vote No.

One country = One nation . Vote NO to division

NO! No way am I voting for this voice to parliament. They aren't telling us enough about it.

I’d love to know how the voice would tackle youth crime, school absentee rates and quality of living that couldn’t be done right now. Otherwise I’m voting no

They already have representation. . . Jacinta Price is one such representative who is a voice of reason. How about the aborginal men take responsibility for their communities that are suffering from alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence, pedophilia, crime etc. Lead by example. I remember back in the 70' & 80's all u heard on the ABC was how hard done by were the aborginines. Nothing has changed, only gotten worse.

“All the Voice can do is make representations to the govt”……nope, as a Constitutional entity it could tie up the govt for years with legal challenges on anything it disagrees with

I read a study awhile ago that looked at the human development of indigenous persons in USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia in terms of life expectancy, incarceration rates, income, etc and all 4 countries were not great. That suggests that what has been established in New Zealand hasn’t been working. I’m not an expert so happy to be pointed to a different study.

Which of the Aboriginal languages will Qantas choose to address it's passengers in ?

A big NO from me and everyone I know.Enough money has gone into the Aborigine community every year but nothing has changed in regional Australia at all. Albanese should be investigating where all this money has gone and why it isn't getting to the Aborigines in the outback of Australia. Pauline Hansen proposes a royal commision inquiry into these Aboriginal funding to discover where is all the money going but both Labour and the Liberals didn't back her suggestiin why? Too scared to be called rascists I assume but just like everything else their has to be accountability but not in this case obviously

Linda Burney is a voice to parliament. She should do her job.

Will a Voice to parliament ensure that funds get to those in need? Of course not!

Albo is dividing the nation , we are all Australian under one flag , we are One Nation and should all be treated equally .

No way to the Voice. Trust Noel Pearson, trust the Prime Minister...you've got to be joking. NO NO NO

There is huge domestic violence and sexual abuse problem within indigenous families. This is a problem which indigenous men need to address, is this their “CULTURE”. Maybe get the architects of the voice to draft a plan to sort out their problem!

Labour closed the Indigenous Community Centre in Tennant Creek and an Indigenous Boarding School, they didn’t listen when told the problems to do with Alcohol and money cards. Do the Labour Government create major problems to try and sell the Voice. I’m voting NO. The PM said when he was elected that he supported The Statement of the Heart completely in full. That’s Voice, Truth, Treaty and Compensation. I’m Voting NO

The lack of housing should keep him up at night! An additional expensive privileged group is not needed to act on the continuing problems, just act now to resolve the problems and stop the excuses. Money spent on the voice could have been spent on housing or infrastructure needed in Tennant Creek!!!

Why does having a structured Aboriginal committee to be an advisory board have to be constitutional? I'm for recognising Aboriginals in our constitution but setting up said committee should be part of the closing the gap initiative and disbanded once the gap is closed.

Democracy can only thrive if citizens have equal political rights by exercising their vote. Equal political rights should not be sacrificed for the benefit of an ethnic group, no matter how disadvantaged they are now or how unfortunate their ancestors were in history. As a civilized country, we already support the less fortunate through our elected government, watched by our parliament.

Very few people are willing to analyse what is causing the gap to exist in the aboriginal community. My opinion is that the breakdown of the family and fatherlessness is a significant driving factor. John Anderson is the only one pointing this out. If you cant accurately define the problem, you should not be given money and power to solve it. Youll only make things worse.

I came from a divided country to Australia and now Australia is wanting to introduce a division to the country. I’m voting NO

Vote NO to division.

After the NO vote wins we need to audit the aboriginal industry, 30+ billion a year going to just 3% of the population , we want to know where all that money is going too

These people make no sense! I hope there is an overwhelming NO for the sake of the other 97% of people that will have to pay for this group to live off the government .

You want a voice…. contribute to society, abide by the law, live a decent moral life, enrol to vote and then vote. All Australians have that power including the indigenous peoples of this country. All voices are equal in the wonderful place we call home.

If there is one thing the Australian people have learnt, its that politicians don't follow through with their promises. Addressing the Cost of living, energy. Lie after lie. What most Australians can see is the ability for politicians to misuse this power. We simply don't trust you Albo

I love my country and I respect indigenous Australians we are already one nation we don't need this voice so my vote will be for the no campaign as this referendum will create division between our peoples we are all Australians here always have been that won't change even if the voice doesn't get In.

Vote NO because we are all Australians no one should have a special voice especially one that cost money from the Taxpayers that don't have a special voice NO NO NO. Why does she say Australia is a country that doesn't recognise our indigenous people thats not correct Aboriginals are recognised in Australia as indigenous to this nation. Finally please vote the worst prime minister in Australia's history out

Like every other adult Austraoian, the indigenous have a voice, it's called representation, each electorate has a member, each state has Senators, they are our voice to parliament, it is through our representaives will have our will enacted. Now if indigenous Australia does not use their voice via their representatives now, why would they in the future?, 3% of the population has 4% of the representaion, and even with indigenous members in our parliament, the parliament does not listen now. How can installing racism into oir constitution change anything?, it won't....

Nothing good will come from the voice,for all or any Australian ,, start helping all Australians by stopping failing us all ,do your jobs well

Noel Pearson is one of the main people here. Brought up in cities, went to private boarding schools, all the best money can buy. He has no heritage associated with aboriginals except for his name!

Hopefully a no vote succeeds

We are all able to make representations to parliaments, already. Wasting all this time and money, multi-millions of dollars to achieve what we are able to do anyway, is plainly nonsensical.

Noel Pearson keeps saying "us". He's divided already by his words. There's no us and them. My family and I will be voting NO.

Nope no details from the PM and Linda Burney when asked. This is a very important issue, the proposal should have substance to answer some tough questions yet even simple questions go unanswered. No special voice should be give to Australians based on a specific race or ethnic background. Me and my family Voting NO! to this Constitutional Experiment.

This is why I keep saying that if politicians did their jobs the aboriginal communities in the bush would be in a better place where has all the money gone that taxpayers paid to help aboriginal communities there has to be accountability but politicians just keep throwing money at it but nothing ever changes

The Devil is in the detail and in this case, I fear there is way too much Devil.

The government already has indigenous advisory groups, the voice will not fix any of the issues affecting our indigenous brethren. Making representations to parliament and parliament having to consider these concerns me greatly. Parliament has the power to pass laws based on the representation and I for one do not trust the woke governments to act rationally. Vote no.

It’s a no

If they want us to vote on a change to the constitution the exact wording of that change should be tabled well before the referendum so we can determine exactly what powers it provides. The fact that they only plan to decide on the wording after the yes vote gets through (if it does) is like signing a blank contract and someone else filling in all the details afterwards.

VOTE NO TO THE VOICE .......VOTE NO TO ALBANESE .........VOTE NO AUSTRALIA .......LABOR IS NOT FOR THE PEOPLE

It is now well understood the Voice is part of a six stage strategy, the Voice itself is stage 5 and stage 6 is Makarrata. The aims are clearly stated "A TREATY could include a proper say in decision making, the establishment of a TRUTH commission, REPARATIONS, a financial settlement (such as seeking a PERCENTAGE OF GDP), the resolution of land, water and resources issues, RECOGNITION OF AUTHORITY and CUSTOMARY LAW" (from page 19 of a 26 page document released under FOI (FOI/2223/016) from the National Indigenous Australian Agency, page 1 is titled Uluru statement from the heart [centre justified]) "Makarrata is the culmination of our agenda" from the Uluru Statement from the Heart (page 1). So its very clear, not only is the Voice a planned assault on democratic principles, not only does it introduce race/cultural identity into the constitution, its part of an agenda that the Prime Minister himself promotes VOICE - TREATY - TRUTH. He even has the T - shirt. Moreover, the National Indigenous Australian Agency (now under Linda Burney) has had executive authority to close the gap since 2019. (e) specify the functions of the National Indigenous Australians Agency be as follows: iii. to lead and coordinate the development and implementation of Australia’s Closing the Gap targets in partnership with Indigenous Australians; (Federal register of legislation, C2019G00474). I note, life expectancy for Indigenous men increased from 56.6 years in 1999 to 65.6 years in 2018 (change, 9.0 years; 95% CI, 7.9-10.0 years) and from 64.8 to 69.7 years for Indigenous women (4.9 years; 95% CI, 3.2-6.7 years); Med J Aust 2022; 217 (1): 30-35. || doi: 10.5694/mja2.51553 Furthermore, the three clauses to be inserted into section 129 of the constitution do not include the words advice, advisory or advise: - i There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Voice. - ii The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to Parliament and the Executive Government 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 the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (AEC). Clearly unique access based on race/cultural identity to all levels of government. Vote NO "it is a ruthless con job" (Greg Craven, The Australian). In addition, Stuart Wood AM KC, "It is unconscionable that a government would, with full knowledge, put forward a seriously deficient and misleading question, in an attempt to misinform the Australian people at a referendum as critical as the one ahead" (IPA, 12th September, 2023).

I respect Jacinta. Down earth, practical and love doesn’t pay the bills.

Noel isn’t the Boss of the Voice. He can’t say with certainty what the Voice will or won’t do. If the Voice is so good, put it in place now and show Australia that it works. Then vote to protect it by putting it in the Constitution

Like the way he washes his hands as he says government makes decisions on taxes, as he knows the voice increases aboriginal bias in the government

🎵"Australians all let us rejoice, For we are ONE and free"🗣.... As in our anthem we are one people. Let us not be divided

This was a great well balanced segment. The reporter playing devils advocate on both sides of the fence, perfect way to communicate the news

60 minutes Australian. Canadian here. Tells amazing documentaries style.

Were dose our $40, Billion Dollars go every year !!! Were is the accountability $$$$$ Vote NO

Maori were united tribes of fearsome warriors who defended small islands & cannibalised 60+ British colonialists upon arrival in NZ. The Haka is loved as the Rugby team performed it & white + black could partake. It was fun & popularity grew organically. Unlike Welcome To Country that feels forced upon us & so serious. Throughout history, the dominant culture survives. Aboriginals envy Maori culture's outcomes, but do not acknowledge the differences in their cultures that have resulted in a different outcome for Maoris 🤷🏻‍♀

Amelia Adams did a good job here. Asked some fair questions. However, when she asked the PM how the voice would be elected, the PM said how they would be elected… this is at best misleading, at worst a lie. All literature on the design of the voice talks about its members being appointed

Vote NO

NZ violent crime rate, New Zealand's crime statistics are compounded by the over-representation of Māori. Despite Māori making up only 16% of the general population, figures show 42% of all criminal apprehensions involve a person identifying as Māori, as do 51% of those in prison.

I listen to these reports to understand why and how voting yes will benefit indigenous australians, not even the prime minister was able to give a solid example!

Noel Pearson has been involved with indigenous peoples for a number of years, he seems to be doing OK for himself while the people he supposedly represents in various capacities are struggling? There is no need for a change in the constitution there is a need for people like Pearson to do right for the indigenous peoples and not sit on the gravy train!

The rhetoric that Anthony Albanese uses on this referendum tells me he didn't give it much thought, before he acted.

NO NOEL WE VOTE NO

You completely failed to get both sides of the story in NZ. It's extremely unprofessional that you didn't speak to ANY non-indigenous New Zealanders to see what they think! They would've been more than willing to tell you! And the NO campaign is being fuelled by fact - not fear. Really poor 60 minutes. I expected better.

No!

NO NO NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VOTE NO TO THE VOICE!!!

First the Voice, then the Invoice!

That was refreshingly decent journalism and she asked some very real questions. Results are in anyway, but it’s nice to see not all journos are useless. Great interviewing.

NO, VOTE NO

Im voting HELL NO. I will disown the country of my birth.

NO TO SPECIAL TREATMENT!!! EVERYONE MUST BE TREATED THE SAME.

Government should be determined to gradually and genuinely address problems at their root, rather than continually creating new ones

Just remember in NZ if there are two people who require medical treatment the Maori will go first even if the other is non Maori and in greater need. Race before need.

Having read in the 1990's 'Our right to take responsibility' it would appear Mr Pearson has now had a change of heart. Nothing would make me vote yes. Jacinta is the voice of reason here. God grant her strength. 🙏 To compare NZ with Australia is hardly possible. The Maori's at least all speak the same language. Tennant Creek is a very good example of what is currently failing our most marginalised. If Albo was truly concerned he'd invite 'all' parties to his table!

Our PM has claims he has only read the one page executive summary of the Uluṟu statement. Yet he is proposing a referendum based on it. Shame on you PM for not even bothering to read the whole statement.

Wow, I’m shocked a journo who actually asked some hard questions. It wasn’t as one sided as I thought. My question is - why won’t Albo or anyone debate this with Senator Price??? She is the only one who has articulated why she states it won’t work whereas the Yes campaign can’t give us any details except - trust us…..we aren’t stupid or racist just give us more information on it!! Is that so hard? All I’ve seen as an indigenous based nurse is the division that and Welcome to country has caused! It hasn’t United the nation but divided us and people are too scared to stand up to say they’ll vote no due to fear they’ll be called racist. I have NOT yet met one person planning to vote yes. They are all tired of the division it’s causing and they way we are being treated.

We all should be treated equally have the same benefits but how can that happen when nsw national parks segregate park campsites in black rock camp grounds with steel gates for indigenous people only and not for all why can’t we camp together and this is the Government doing this not the average person 🤬

It's disturbing that many Aboriginal people at the fair in that town didn't even know what the Voice is. How many Aboriginals in Australia don't know about it?

Indigenous people already have a voice in parliament by being elected . There are already so many programs and funding given specifically to help Indigenous people the rest of us do not have. Write NO on the ballot paper.

For anyone wondering, the New Zealand constitution does not give Māori a body like the Voice to parliament. Nothing even remotely like it.

Ummm New Zealand doesn't have a Federal Government

Voting NO. Because; "We are ONE, and we are many, and from all the lands on earth we come"

Heavily weighted to the "yes" . Equal time was not given to "no".

Don't get too distracted by the voice. The actual question that should be asked and answered by the Yessers is why exactly the voice and makarrata were even selected. The answer to this is on pages 17 and 18 of the ulurustatement. Albo needs to explain what the actual purpose of the voice and makarrata is, and whether or not it aligns with why they were originally selected and included in the uluru statement.

2 words: THOMAS MAYO. Nuf said. VOTE NO!

Noel Pearson talks about Love that comes across about as convincing as Albanese's avoidance of what the Voice is. They are talking Babble. How many people can tell you what the voice really means. What does voting Yes mean to Australian people?

The difference between New Zealand and Australia is that the Maori only have one language and one culture, First Nations Australia have hundreds of languages and the culture differs extremely, there is no possible way the voice would be able to represent all language/Aboriginal cultural groups throughout Australia, not to mention be able to address each unique situation as this alone differs by location, community and cultural practices and LORE's etc. The biggest problem is, is that all of the First Nations people leading the Voice and who make up the Voice committee and who will likely either sit on the Voice or be the ones who choose those who will sit on the voice, have been 'leaders' in their communities for decades, and have made no changes in their communities to address the decade long issues, this is because of many reasons, but a big one is the 'purple circle' situation where those they let in their representative groups or have appointed or joining them are those they 'like' or are 'family' etc etc it is and has always been extremely biased...so what is going to be different if the Coice would go ahead? How would these 'purple circles' be prevented so all voices are listened to in a logical way and the system not just another ATSIC, biased and corrupted??

I don’t trust the pm and his government and I be voting no

As a community elder, I will be voting NO.

Aboriginals also have a voice through the aboriginal representatives in parliament. When you are out of ideas to help people you introduce new bureaucracies so you appear to be doing something

We don’t need another ATSIC enshrined in Australia’s constitution. Ol mates opening statement, he wants work for his son to stay off the streets. Govt can fund apprenticeships, traineeships and grants for small business.

With 11 indigenous members in the Federal Parliament a cross party committee cooperating for needed outcomes could achieve a lot and have a voice in all factions of the Parliament.

Only 2 months ago the media reported that Maori people were to be placed ahead of non-Maori people for hospital and medical treatments for identical conditions.

The PM explains and communiates this so badly

Good job Amelia Adams.

100% no, too vague, no one know what we voting for.