Indigenous Voice to Parliament: Australia's House of Representatives passes legislation for referendum

ANKARA (AA) - Australia's lower house of parliament on Wednesday approved legislation to hold a referendum for the establishment of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, a consultative body that would advise the government on policies relating to Indigenous issues.

The bill, Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023, was passed in the House of Representatives with a majority of 121 voting in favor and 25 against.

It will now be tabled in the Senate for debate and approval, before the government sets a date for the vote.

Plans for the referendum were at the forefront of the Labor Party’s policy platform since before coming into power last May.

"Our Constitutional Alteration Bill has just passed the House of Representatives. We’re one step closer to recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our Constitution," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted.

Earlier, he said the bill would lead to a "country where we listen to the people most affected by policy decisions, a more reconciled Australia."

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has opposed the bill, saying the proposal would divide Australians by race.

Since the colonization of Australia by British settlers in 1788, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have faced hardships, ranging from the loss of traditional culture and homelands to the forced removal of children and denial of citizenship rights, according to Australian Human Rights Commission.

Meanwhile, the country is marking the National Reconciliation Week from May 27 to June 3, a chance for Australians to learn about their shared history and how to work towards achieving reconciliation.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid