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On Saturday 14 October, every Australian will be asked to vote on changing our Constitution. For many, the proposed Voice to Parliament is confusing.

One of the incredible privileges of living in our democracy is that every citizen has the right to be involved in the nation’s governance. In fact, it’s not just a right, but a requirement and a responsibility before God and our fellow citizens.

That responsibility means making an informed decision about the 2023 referendum question.

The Proposed Change to the Constitution

The formal question facing Australians on 14 October is about inserting a new chapter into the Constitution (Chapter IX—Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples).

The new chapter reads:

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

(i) there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

(ii) 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;

(iii) 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.

Making an Informed Decision

Canberra Declaration does not have an official position on the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. We encourage Christians in this vote, as in all areas of their lives, to respond to the coming referendum in worship of God and love of their neighbour.

A ministry of the Canberra Declaration, the Daily Declaration is a leading Australian Christian news site from a biblical perspective.

In an era where secularism dominates public life (politics, media, arts, etc.), the Daily Declaration provides a news medium that is refreshingly distinct. It plays a vital and necessary role in giving Christians a place to interact, discuss and grapple with the issues of our time.

The desire of the Daily Declaration is to inform minds, engage our hearts, and fuel our prayers. This is all the more so as the nation considers altering its most important and foundational document.

Listed below are three articles from each side of the Voice debate to help you make an informed decision as you consider the question posed at the referendum. Each article puts forth a case of how biblical thinking informs the question posed to each Australian on 14 October.

For the Voice

1. “The Voice: A Christian Consideration” by Rev Dr Michael Jensen. Michael is the rector at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Darling Point, and a former lecturer at Moore Theological College.

Michael gives an overview of the Voice proposal before stating why generous consideration should be given to it. Finally, he explains why he supports the Voice.

2. “Open Letter to Religious Leaders In Australia – Supporting the Voice” by Tim Costello. Tim was the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Advocate of World Vision Australia.

Tim outlines why he believes the Voice referendum has similarities to the causes of Martin Luther King and William Wilberforce.

3. “Responding Generously to a Generous Voice” by Rev Dr Andrew Errington. Andrew is the rector at Newtown Erskineville Anglican Church and researcher at the School of Theology, Charles Sturt University.

Andrew writes for Sydney Anglicans on behalf of the Social Issues Committee. He examines the Uluru Statement from the Heart, engages with the Parliamentary Inquiry, and then gives a positive case for the Voice.

Against the Voice

1. “10 Reasons Christians Should Vote No to the Voice” by Kurt Mahlburg and Ps James Dargin.

Kurt and James believe that the best expression of Christian unity, love and forgiveness for Australia results in a No vote to the Voice. They give ten biblical principles to support their claim.

2. “The Voice: Making Life Even Worse for Us” by Bess Nungarrayi Price, AM. Bess is a former Member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly and the mother of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.

Bess outlines from her extensive background why government incentives have routinely failed miserably in helping disadvantaged Aboriginal people, and why the Voice will make things even worse, not better.

3. “A Christian Case to Vote No to the Voice: My Reply to Michael Jensen’s Response” by Dr Stephen Chavura. Stephen teaches European and Australian history at Campion College in Sydney.

Stephen critiques Rev Dr Michael Jensen’s article (#1 article for the Voice, above) and explains why he thinks the case for the Yes vote is poor.

Conclusion

The issues raised in these six articles give a good overview of where the two positions are coming from. Searching the Daily Declaration for the ‘Voice’ and the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ will retrieve a wealth of information to consider in the lead-up to referendum day.

The Constitution, beginning with the words “humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God”, has given Australia a firm foundation for its nationhood and has served us remarkably well.

The Constitution is designed to be difficult to alter. Any changes should be made by applying great wisdom. Interestingly, all our many Indigenous Christian writers on the Daily Declaration are against the Voice. Most of our non-Indigenous writers feel the same way. Having said that, your vote is your decision.

May we all seek the wisdom that God generously gives from above (James 1:5) and vote accordingly, for the glory of God and His continued blessing on our land.

Yours for our nation,

Warwick Marsh & Samuel Hartwich