What proposal was put to voters in Australia’s 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum?

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Aboriginal people of Galiwnku Island in Australia — Australian Aboriginal peoples Aboriginal people from Galiwnku Island gathering to watch the proceedings at which Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologized to the Aboriginal peoples of Australia for their mistreatment under earlier Australian governments, February 2008.

In October 2023, the Australian government held a national referendum proposing to alter the Australian Constitution to formally recognize Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.123

The proposal also sought to create an Indigenous body known as the "Voice to Parliament," which would have been empowered to advise the government on policies affecting these Indigenous peoples.123

To pass, the referendum required a "double majority"—assent from a majority of voters nationwide as well as majorities in at least four of Australia's six states. The proposal was ultimately rejected by approximately 60 percent of participants and failed to secure a majority in any of the six states.231