As the Voice debate continues, I wanted to share an update and a few more ways to get involved.

There’s now a ‘Voice’ tab on my website with resources you can check out. It has everything from introductory videos to constitutional law podcasts and the Parliamentary Advisory Report on the Constitution Alteration. If there are other pieces of content you think we should be aware of, please don’t hesitate to send us an email.

Last week, Thomas Mayo and Kerry O’Brien launched their new book, The Voice to Parliament Handbook - All the detail you need. It’s available now through all major bookstores. It’s well worth a read and makes for a great gift too.

There have been some powerful (and also some pretty disturbing) speeches on the Voice from parliamentarians in recent weeks.

Liberal Member for Bass Bridget Archer’s contribution on the Voice to Parliament in the House, was a highlight. She speaks on behalf of members of her community, putting their words in front of the Parliament as a true representative should. She also showed real leadership by standing up and addressing some of the misleading narratives coming from within her own party.

On Monday night, we saw Labor Member for Gellibrand, Tim Watts MP, share a moving personal story and the sentiment behind it on Q&A. He speaks about how this will be a vote that “echoes down the generations” and encourages people to think about being a good ancestor saying “Don’t meet the gracious gift of the Uluru Statement from the Heart - what an act of generosity in the face of our history, to provide this pathway forward for healing and for unity for our country - you know don’t respond to that with bush-lawyering and internet conspiracy theories and dog-whistling. Rise to the moment. This is a moment we can all grasp and do something that will echo down the generations.” You can watch his comments as well as comments from others on the QandA panel here. 

There are a number of Voice related events coming up in Canberra listed below. They’re a great way to actively engage in this important moment for our country and to have informed conversations with people in your network. 

1. Tomorrow night, the University of Canberra has their first lecture in a series they're hosting about the Voice. It will be presented by Julian Leeser MP and you can RSVP here. Keep an eye on the UC Events page as they will be announcing more lectures shortly.
   
   
2. On Friday, Active Democracy Bean will be hosting an information session with Together, Yes about how to host respectful and constructive Voice conversations. If you’re interested in participating in this online event, RSVP here.
   
   
3. Thursday 22 June, Professor Tom Calma AO will be giving the ANU Reconciliation Lecture 2023, in partnership with the University of Canberra, at Llewellyn Hall, ANU. Professor Calma is the 2023 Senior Australian of the year, Chancellor of UC and Professor of Practice (Indigenous Engagement) at the University of Sydney. You can see full details and reserve your spot here.

Kind regards,

David