The Voice to Parliament Referendum: Be Informed

What exactly *is* a referendum? Why does it matter? If the Voice vote passes, does that mean a Treaty won’t happen? So many questions, and yet still so much confusion. So where does the truth lie?

The Voice to Parliament Referendum is a big conversation. One of the most important ones Australia has ever undertaken. But the amount of misinformation out there about the Vote is overwhelming.

And while the whole country weighs up the pros and cons of whether they should vote Yes or No, the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations peoples is being impacted as we see increased racism and division in communities.

We’re not going to tell you how to vote, but we all need to make sure that our votes are informed and that when we go in to the booth on 14 October 2023, we do so with accurate information.

To help, below we’ve pulled together a list of resources that help myth bust, that educate and will help you make an informed decision.

12 2021 Take a Step Social Tile v2

Uluru Statement From the Heart:

A Voice to Parliament Training Module

In the course, you'll discover what is meant by Indigenous Constitutional Recognition through a Voice – and what a Voice to Parliament is, and is not. You will also learn why a Referendum is required to make it happen. 

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous people and its importance to Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
  • Make informed decisions about an Indigenous Voice to Parliament
  • Talk about what a referendum is and why it is needed for Indigenous people
  • Have conversations with your family and friends about why this issue is important to you

Complete training module

Getting informed: Conversations with young Australians 

Young people on Referendum
Getting informed
Allyship in the lead up
The handbook
Young people share thoughts
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Support for First Nations young people

If you feel you would like more help you might want to try connect with a local Elder from your mob, healer in your community or a leader in your faith system. You can always contact headspace at a centre or online and arrange to yarn with someone who could help guide you through similar processes or help you figure out what works best for you.

  • 13YARN - Free and confidential First Nations crisis support
  • WellMob - Social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
  • Take a Step towards a Stronger You - headspace resources and information for First Nations young people
  • headspace centres - Mental health and wellbeing support for young people in over 150 communities across Australia
  • Referendum, racism and how to look after yourself
  • Watch the A Message to Mob videos below: 
Maintain a strong culture
Maintain a strong mind
Maintain strong relationships
It's not your job to educate
Take a break from the news feed

Other online resources to get educated about the Voice to Parliament Referendum