PM Anthony Albanese has signalled his intention to put forward a proposal for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in his speech at Garma Festival.
Look back on the day's developments with our live blog.
Key events
- Opposition wants more detail before assuring support
- PM yet to announce referendum date
- A Voice not special treatment for Indigenous people
- PM pays respect to Yolngu traditional owners in language
- Watch the PM's keynote address at Garma Festival
- The three sentences the PM wants in the Constitution
- When can we expect the PM's speech?
- The referendum question you might be asked
Live updates
By Shiloh Payne
We're going to close the blog here
Thank you for joining us today and a big thank you to our team Dana Morse, Bridget Brennan and Jedda Costa for providing their reports from Garma Festival.
You can keep up to date with the latest news here on the ABC News website and on our app.
By Shiloh Payne
'Right steps' being made at 'right time', Dean Parkin says
Director of the From the Heart campaign, Dean Parkin, says he thinks the government is moving at the right pace towards a referendum.
Mr Parkin says the public need to be brought along on the campaign and calls for further detail to be released immediately are premature.
“I think there will be enough time between now and the referendum.
“It’s about bringing people along on a longer journey, making them feel comfortable, making them feel included in this journey as well so we can get people ready to vote yes,” he said.
The From the Heart campaign want a referendum to be held by the end of 2023.
“I believe with that timeframe, with the leadership that the Prime Minister and the government has shown today, I think the opposition is keeping an open mind to this as well which is really important.
“I think the right steps are being made at the right time right now.”
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse at Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
More of your thoughts:
What an historical moment! Our indigenous countrymen have every right to feel elated and optimistic. We must not let them down again. As we learn to share their vast history and recognise the trauma and dispossession we have wrought upon them, we may truly be able to call ourselves Australians.
- Thomas Hardy
By Shiloh Payne
Sense of common ground 'really important'
Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman Hayley McQuire says she hopes the voices of First Nations people across the country will be centred consistently throughout the entire referendum campaign.
“I really want to make sure that over the next few years, as people really start to make up their minds around what this referendum will look like, that we continue to make sure that blackfullas are at the heart of that process and that this isn’t just another process that happens to our people but that it’s genuinely led and owned by our mob."
“Especially when we go chasing that 97% vote, we can’t forget about that most important 3% [the Indigenous population of Australia] that this decision is firmly is about,” Ms McQuire, who is the Chief Executive of the National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition, said.
Mr Albanese made clear in his speech that he hoped to finalise the referendum question as soon as possible but Ms McQuire said the process must not be rushed.
“I understand why he is pushing for the question to be decided upon early but I still think let’s not rush by political cycles let’s take the time that our community needs still," Ms McQuire said.
“It’s really important that at the most basic level that everyone feels a sense of common ground and common understanding…about what this voice will tangibly mean for improving education, health and progressing our own nation building efforts."
Reporting by Indigenous Affairs reporter Jedda Costa from Gulkula
By Shiloh Payne
Opposition wants more detail before assuring support
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Julian Leeser, was acknowledged by the PM in his speech, and spoke with Special Envoy for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Patrick Dodson, after.
Mr Leeser says he welcomes the announcement but the Coalition need to see more detail on the Voice before they can assure bipartisan support.
“It’s important that the government answers people’s reasonable questions about the Voice.
“Who will serve on it, how will they be chosen, what will it do and how will it address the issues that concern Indigenous Australians?” he said.
Co-chair of the Voice co-design group, Professor Marcia Langton told RN Breakfast on Friday that the detail is already available in her report.
“When people say they want more detail, all that tells me is that they refuse to read our report, because all the detail is there," she said.
“There's over 500 pages of detail, and I see this demand for more detail as just a mystery of making and sowing confusion. I do wonder if some of them can read and write." She said.
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse at Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
Greens react to referendum announcement
First Nations spokesperson for the Greens, Lidia Thorpe says she wants to talk with the government about their Voice proposal.
She wants to see other areas for First Nations justice progressed alongside the Voice, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Senator Thorpe introduced a private members bill before the election to establish an inquiry into applying UNDRIP.
“We don’t have to wait until next year to have our rights legislated. Labor can support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, which is being debated in Parliament on Monday, to help guarantee that our rights will be protected.
“The Greens also want to see the Government make meaningful progress towards Treaty, the potentially more difficult but ultimately more transformative part of the Uluṟu statement,” she said.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt will comment on the announcement from Melbourne at 1:30pm.
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse at Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
Analysing how the proposal will work
Here's the ABC's Miriam Corowa and Dan Bourchier talking about the PM's comments on the Voice not functioning as a third chamber:
By Shiloh Payne
Aboriginal communities are 'fighting pressure to assimilate', NT politician says
Independent NT politician Mark Guyula Yingiya has given a stirring address at Garma saying Aboriginal communities are in "crisis", fighting a "constant pressure to assimilate."
Although he welcomed a commitment to a referendum, he said it's a treaty that Aboriginal people need urgently.
"We have been promised treaty in the past, but that promise disappeared," he said.
He said Yolngu elders who had called for a treaty decades ago had now died, having been met with broken promises.
The Yolngu elder said the Australian constitution, as it stands, was "wrong".
"It's a foreign institution on stolen land, it will never be legitimate without agreement of the First Nations people.
"It has been wrong because it never came under the power of the treaty."
Reporting by Indigenous Affairs Editor Bridget Brennan from Gulkula
By Shiloh Payne
Here are some of your thoughts:
Weeping with relief and hope for this beloved Country. RESPECT 🖤💛❤️ and LOVE
- Margaret Healy
By Shiloh Payne
Here's Anthony Albanese unveiling the referendum question
The PM has unveiled his referendum question at Garma Festival, you can watch it here:
By Shiloh Payne
The PM's address has concluded
The PM has wrapped up his speech to a standing ovation from the crowd.
As soon as he finished, he stepped off the stage to shake hands with Yolngu leader Dr Galarrwuy Yunupingu, on whose land he just spoke.
He concluded by saying he’s hopeful that Australians will support a referendum and at future Garma Festivals the impact of the Voice will be clear.
“I am optimistic for the success of this referendum.
And I am hopeful, in years to come, when we gather here at Garma, we will be able to measure that success not just by number of people who vote for a Voice, but by the lives the Voice helps to change.” He said.
Now attention will turn to the reaction from Indigenous leaders and community members here at the festival, who we’ll be speaking with shortly.
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse at Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
Albanese: Creating a Voice not just a symbolism
The Prime Minister says championing a Voice doesn’t mean the government won’t be pursuing other ways to improve the lives on Indigenous people, and that creating a Voice isn’t just a symbolic act.
“Let us all understand: Australia does not have to choose between improving peoples’ lives and amending the constitution.
“We can do both – and we have to.” He said.
Mr Albanese has acknowledged that referendums rarely succeed in Australia, but says the risk of failure isn’t a reason not to try.
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse from Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
PM yet to announce referendum date
The Prime Minister has stopped short of announcing a date or year when a referendum might be held.
But there was roaring applause when he committed to a national vote in Mr Albanese's first term as Prime Minister.
He said the government was prepared to counter "misinformation" from opponents to the idea.
Many of the authors of the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart are urging the government to hold a referendum in 2023 or early 2024, saying momentum will be lost if there are further delays.
Reporting by Indigenous Affairs Editor Bridget Brennan from Gulkula
By Shiloh Payne
Albanese: 'If not now, when'
The Prime Minister has delivered his proposed changes to the Constitution, and the question he intends to ask at a referendum.
He says he’s still open to further talks on the exact wording, but want it to be clear and simple for the public.
The crowd is applauding his commitment to launching a referendum in the first term of government.
“Respectfully, purposefully we are seeking to secure support for the question and the associated provisions in time for a successful referendum, in this term of parliament.
“If not now, when.” Mr Albanese said.
The PM is also calling on the Opposition and the crossbench to embrace the proposal and throw their support behind the government.
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse from Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
A Voice not special treatment for Indigenous people
Mr Albanese says the Voice that his government is proposing is not about special treatment or preferential power for Indigenous people.
“It will be an unflinching source of advice and accountability. Not a third chamber, not a rolling veto, not a blank cheque.
“But a body with the perspective and the power and the platform to tell the government and the parliament the truth about what is working and what is not.
“A Voice enshrined in the constitution cannot be silenced.” He said.
The Prime Minister has pointed to other Labor policies that will address key concerns in community, including justice reinvestment, Indigenous rangers, respecting country, and working on the National Partnerships with the Coalition of the Peaks.
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse from Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
Hope, humility and healing
Mr Albanese says he has met with Yolngu leader from the Gumatj clan, Dr Galarrwuy Yunupingu, as part of his trip.
He says the government wants to work alongside Indigenous people to bring the statement to life.
“We rise to the moment to work with you in lifting the words off the page and lifting the whole nation up.
“A new spirit of partnership between government and First Nations people, through the work of Makarrata, treaty-making and truth-telling and by enshrining a Voice to parliament, in the Constitution.” he said.
The PM has acknowledged the long line of broken promises from government to Indigenous people, and says his government will approach the task ahead with humility and hope.
“I believe the momentum is with us, as never before. I believe the country is ready for this reform. I believe there is room in Australian hearts, for the Statement from the Heart.” Mr Albanese said.
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse from Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
PM pays respect to Yolngu traditional owners in language
Anthony Albanese has started by paying respect to the Yolngu traditional owners in language.
“Ngarra ga Buku guru-pan Gumatj, Yothu Yindi nha go Yolngu mala,” he said.
[Translation: I pay my respect to Gumatj, Yothu Yindi and Yolngu Mala.]
“I acknowledge the people of the mighty Yolngu nation. I recognize all the elders, leaders and families who have made great contributions to our nation.”
Several politicians are alongside the PM for the address, including Linda Burney, Pat Dodson, Mark Dreyfus, Malandirri McCarthy, and Marion Scrymgour.
Shadow minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser is also in the crowd.
The PM says they’re here in the spirit of bipartisanship to make good on their commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse from Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
Watch the PM's keynote address at Garma Festival
PM Anthony Albanese is speaking at Garma Festival, you can watch it here:
By Shiloh Payne
PM to address Garma Festival
The Prime Minister is about to stand up to give his address to the Garma Festival in northeast Arnhem Land.
About 2500 people are attending the festival this year, and most of them have turned out to see the Prime Minister speak, including Yolngu leaders who spoke earlier this morning about a long line of governments failing to live up to promises of action.
Anthony Albanese’s speech will include the official announcement of the question he wants to put to the public at a referendum on an Indigenous Voice.
The wording of the question is: Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?
It’s a landmark moment for the Indigenous people across the country, and particularly for the Yolngu in the crowd who have been waiting for constitutional recognition since Prime Minister Bob Hawke promised a treaty in 1987.
Reporting by political reporter Dana Morse from Gulkala
By Shiloh Payne
How can I watch the speech?
How can we watch his speech?
- Ali
Hi Ali,
There's a slight delay but the PM will be speaking shortly, we'll be streaming the speech on YouTube and on the ABC's News Channel.
We will have a link for you here when his speech begins.
