The Australian government has proposed a national referendum to alter the Constitution and recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Indigenous Voice.

But how did we arrive at this referendum? Why is this happening now, and is it necessary? What is an Indigenous Voice?

Learn about the journey from the Uluru Statement from the Heart to The Voice Referendum and the history of the struggle for Indigenous justice, equality and representation. Discover why some believe it may help create a more just Australia, and why others believe it will not.

Voice To Truth: Journey To The Referendum

As the referendum draws near, the debate surrounding it becomes increasingly complex.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for treaty and truth. It proposes a Voice to Parliament as a pathway for our nation to forge new, more equitable relationships between  First Peoples and those who arrived since colonisation. Will saying ‘yes’ to the referendum achieve this goal? If Australians vote ‘no’, what might the alternative paths to creating a more equitable relationship be?

Join two of Tasmania’s most experienced Aboriginal leaders as we critically consider the ideas and arguments that have formed the debate, and ask where the outcome of the Referendum will take us as a nation.

Speakers:
  -  Kerry Sculthorpe, Tasmanian Aboriginal leader
  -  Michael Mansell, Tasmanian Aboriginal leader, activist and lawyer
Hosted by Professor Rufus Black, Vice-Chancellor, University of Tasmania

Subscribe for updates on the Island of Ideas public talks series: https://www.utas.edu.au/about/events/island-of-ideas/subscribe

Voice To Truth: Hope Or hype

Ideas, debate and discussion - for and from Tasmania. Our vibrant and informative public talks and forums are now available as podcasts.

New tracks tagged #close the gap