Indigenous rights

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Illustration by Jeff Fisher

Indigenous rights

Truth after the Voice

The lost opportunity of the Voice referendum revealed Australians’ poor understanding of the Constitution, and the level of racism in the community

Yes referendum corflute with No spraypainted over it, in Bassendean, Perth, Saturday, October 14, 2023

Indigenous rights

The year the Voice broke

How John Howard’s shadow over Australian politics is evident in the referendum, reconciliation and the rest

Empty seats with No campaign placards on them in an event venue in Melbourne, September 15, 2023,

Indigenous rights

True colours

What the outcome of the Voice referendum suggests about the future of reconciliation, and what it says about the national character

Supporters of the “Yes” campaign in Melbourne, Sunday, September 17, 2023, wearing "yes" T-shirts and raising their fists

Indigenous rights

The Voice beyond symbolism

As October 14 approaches, opposition to the Voice has been dominated by false claims and discredited ideas

Image of Patrick Dodson leaning into smoke at a ceremony with hands cupped

A firelight stick on the hill

As momentum builds to this year’s referendum, the man long regarded as the ‘Father of Reconciliation’ reflects on a life fighting for a better Australia

Eight flags – a mix of the Australian flag, the Indigenous flag and the flag of the Torres Strait Islands – are seen flying in two rows, against a blue sky in the background.

The voice, clear and simple

Critics say it’s a threat to our system of government, but in fact the voice to parliament is a major investment in better policy

Prince Charles in Sydney, 1981, seated at harbour across from Opera House

The coronation, the republic and the voice

Constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians is a necessary step towards a republic

Illustration by Jeff Fisher

Keeping one’s word on the voice

Why conservative arguments against an Indigenous voice providing advice to the executive government are specious

Anthony Albanese is seen walking towards a podium for a press conference at Parliament House. Three flags – the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander flags – are seen in the background.

It’s the voice, try and understand it

There are weaknesses in the voice proposal, but glossing over them may not help the “Yes” campaign

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, wearing a pale blue polo shirt, stands in front of various microphones from media outlets during a press conference in Alice Springs. He is flanked by Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney. All three are wearing sombre expressions.

The moral panic button

The “crime wave” in Alice Springs threatens to engulf the debate over a voice to parliament