OIU Dialogue Series #4: The Voice Dialogue

Australians will soon be asked to vote in a referendum asking ‘Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?’ In the past a range of options to realise Indigenous constitutional recognition have been on the table. All those proposals have now been replaced with the Voice.

At a time when we are being invited into constructive dialogue, hear from Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and advocate for Indigenous rights Fr Frank Brennan SJ. He will be on the panel which will include Indigenous Old Boy Kyle Wallace (OR 21’). 

Daniel Street (OR98) will moderate the discussion, which will explore both the "Yes" and "No" cases being put forward by advocates. Riverview First Nations Coordinator Kaleb Taylor will be doing a Welcome to Country. 

The panel will explore answers to key questions, including:

• Is the Voice to be a Voice to Parliament or a Voice to Parliament and to Government ?
• Is the Voice to be primarily concerned with special laws applying specifically to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders?
• Or is the Voice to be able to make representations on all manner of things, including laws and policies which impact both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Indigenous Australians? If so, is there any law or policy that does not impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders?

This OIU “The Voice” Dialogue will examine the narrow pathway to constitutional recognition so members of the Riverview community can be better informed in making up their own mind before Australia casts its vote.

We hope you can join us for this important event.

Note: At the conclusion of this 'Voice Dialogue' Fr Brennan will also be available for signing copies of his new book, which can also be purchased using this link: 'An Indigenous Voice to Parliament: Considering a constitutional bridge'