Endeavour Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continuing connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
On Saturday, 14 October, we will be asked to vote on a change to the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
There will be one single question on the ballot paper and we are required to answer yes or no.
A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Do you approve this proposed alteration?
It is important to us that our people have an understanding of what the Voice is, and how you can have your say.
Shannon Foley, Chief People Officer, will be hosting several fact-based conversations aimed at fostering informed and respectful discussions about the ‘Voice’ referendum.
During the conversations, Shannon will cover topics such as:
- Engage in respectful conversations about the referendum.
- Provide insights into the referendum, including the reasons for taking place and the specific referendum question.
- Present both sides of the YES | NO campaign to ensure a balanced perspective.
- Ensure everyone has the information they need to make their voice heard.
Fact-based conversations
These conversations will provide a respectful, apolitical, fact-based opportunity to better understand the referendum and what Australians will be asked when they turn up to vote.
The sessions are for one hour only and are not compulsory. You can join Shannon by clicking here on the date and time that suits you.
- Thursday 5 October at 12pm in QLD or 1pm in NSW and VIC
- Friday 6 October at 1pm in QLD or 2pm in NSW and VIC
- Monday 9 October at 12pm in QLD or 1pm in NSW and VIC
- Tuesday 10 October at 12pm in QLD or 1pm in NSW and VIC
- Thursday 12 October at 12pm in QLD or 1pm in NSW and VIC
If you have any questions, reach out to the P&W team at [email protected].
Resources from the Australian Government
The Australian Government have a website where you can find more information. You can also read this information booklet that they have created.
Outcome of The ‘Voice’ referendum
On the 14th of October, Australians voted on the Voice Referendum asking whether an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice should be enshrined in the Australian Constitution.
The referendum did not achieve the required double majority and as a result the Australian Constitution will not be changed.
Although the referendum has now been decided, it may continue to be a difficult time for our colleagues and clients in the communities in which we work and live.
Please read through CEO, David Swain’s message for more information.
Support available
Specialist counselling support has been made available to all employees through Benestar for those who would like to access it.
The following support services provide immediate and urgent 24/7 support:
- 13YARN: 24/7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (13 92 76)
- Lifeline Australia: Crisis support and suicide prevention (13 11 14)
- Beyond Blue: 24/7 Support for Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Prevention (1300 224 636)
- MensLine Australia: Free help, referrals & counselling for men (1300 789 978)
- 1800RESPECT: National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service (1800 737 732)
- QLife: Webchat and call back service (1800 184 527)
- Mental health counselling: Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)
An Easy Read has been developed to support you in having a discussion on the referendum outcome with people we support if you need it.
Q&As
You can download a copy of the Q&As here.
What is happening?
On 14 October 2023, Australians registered to vote, will vote in a referendum about whether to change our Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through establishing a ‘Voice to Parliament’.
All voters are asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on voting day.
What is a referendum?
A federal referendum is a national vote on a question about whether part of the Constitution should change.
What is the Constitution?
The Australian Constitution is a set of rules for the Australian Government.
Only the Australian people can decide if the Constitution should change.
The only way to change the Constitution is with the approval of the Australian people, and the only way to do this is by holding a referendum.
Can this be done without a referendum?
No.
Who can vote in the referendum?
All Australian citizens aged 18 and over must vote.
To be eligible to vote you must be enrolled with the Australian Electoral Committee (AEC). The federal electoral roll closed on 18 September 2023. You can check your enrolment status here.
Have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people been consulted about the referendum?
Yes. Two groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders have been working with the Government on the referendum. These are:
The referendum is the result of over a decade of community consultation, parliamentary committee inquiries and expert reports. For more information, read the timeline of the journey to constitutional recognition.
What would the Voice do?
The Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body. It would give advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This includes issues such as education, health, housing, justice and other policies with a practical impact on First Nations people.
For more information, read the First Nations Referendum Working Group’s design principles for the Voice.
Would the Voice be able to create laws or make decisions affecting Australians?
No. Parliament and Government would continue to make decisions on all laws and policies.
However, the Voice could provide advice both proactively and in response to requests by Parliament and Government, and on the development of proposed laws and policies.
The Voice would not manage money, deliver services or be able to stop or policies and laws from being developed.
For more information, you can download this fact sheet on how the Voice would work.
Would the Voice give special rights or special treatment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
No, the Voice would not grant rights on anyone and would not change or take away the rights of anyone who is not Indigenous.
How is the result decided?
For a referendum to pass, a majority of voters need to vote ‘yes’ nationally, plus a majority of voters in at least 4 out of 6 states. This is known as a double majority.
What is Endeavour Foundation doing?
Shannon Foley, Chief People Officer, is hosting several fact-based conversations aimed at fostering informed and respectful discussions about the ‘Voice’ referendum. These are called: ‘Respectful conversations on the “Voice” referendum’.
When can I book in for ‘Respectful conversations on the “Voice” referendum’?
You can join Shannon at any of the below session times. Simply click on the time and date that suits you.
What will happen in the sessions?
These will be casual online conversations to.
- Engage in respectful conversations about the referendum.
- Provide insights into the referendum, including the reasons for taking place and the specific referendum question.
- Present both sides of the YES | NO campaign to ensure a balanced perspective.
- Ensure everyone has the information they need to make their voice heard.
Are the sessions compulsory?
No. Attending a session is 100% optional.
How long do the sessions go for?
Each session goes for one (1) hour and are not compulsory.
More information?
Please contact [email protected] if you have any further questions or queries.
News
View all
Director Election Expression of Interest
Are you in email overload?
Grant funding brings new life to Alex Hills L&L
BRACE proposed changes
Fire Services – Chubb Fire & Security is our new provider
