Thread by @LindaBurneyMP

This year, Australians will have their say on whether they want to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians by establishing the Voice.

Unfortunately, there are some who want to mislead you about the Voice.

Here are the facts about what the Voice will be… 🧵

The Voice will improve lives in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – in practical ways – like in health, education and housing.

By listening to First Nations communities about local solutions to local challenges, we will make better policies.

The Government has been consulting with representatives from First Nations communities across Australia – including Ken Wyatt, Marcia Langton, Megan Davis, and Noel Pearson.

This Referendum Working Group has agreed to key design principles for the Voice.

1) The Voice will provide independent advice to Parliament and Government.

2) The Voice will be chosen by First Nations people based on the wishes of local communities.

3) The Voice will be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

4) The Voice will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful, culturally informed and gender balanced. It will also include youth.

5) The Voice will be accountable and transparent.

6) The Voice will work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures.

For too long government has made policy for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Australians, not with them.

Our people have solutions, they need to be heard. The Voice will be an advisory body.

7) The Voice will not deliver programs.

8) The Voice will not have a veto power.

The design principles agreed to by the working group are the basis for how the Voice will work and function.

The final design of the Voice will ultimately be determined by the Parliament through consultation and legislation.

Our Constitution sets out the principles guiding how our nation works. It's the role of the Parliament to design the legislation that fulfils those principles.

The referendum is about whether you agree that First Nations people should have a say in matters that affect us.

Special Envoy @SenatorDodson and I look forward to working with all who engage in good faith about the Voice and improving the lives of Indigenous Australians.

For more information on the Voice and to find out more visit: voice.niaa.gov.au