Australians will go to the polls on Saturday, October 14 to vote in the referendum on whether to amend the Constitution to recognise First Nation’s Peoples and enshrine a Voice to Parliament.

The poll comes on the same day as the Sydney Swans women’s team is due to run out in this year’s Marn Grook match at Henson Park, to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture.

At the Sydney Swans we were fortunate to have club greats Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin, together with Karen Mundine from Reconciliation Australia, speak with us about what the referendum means.

You can listen below to some of what they had to say.

The proposed amendment to the Constitution is 92 words – it fits on the back of a business card. The proposed lines to be inserted are below:

“Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

1. there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
2. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
3. the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”

The referendum is on Saturday, October 14. You can find out more about the referendum and how to vote HERE.