Outgoing New Zealand MP Jamie Strange used his valedictory speech to propose a trans-Tasman political union. Wondering how that might work reveals just how different the two countries really are.
Articles on Australian Constitution
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Mis- and disinformation about the Voice to Parliament proposal are rife. Here, experts address 10 of the most common myths.
The solicitor-general said the model is compatible with responsible government, and an ‘enhancement’ of the system.
Legislation is an unsatisfactory way to institute a Voice to Parliament because, among other reasons, it would make the body insecure and vulnerable to the whims of different governments.
Voters will justifiably ask why they should vote for a form of recognition opposed by the people who are to be recognised.
In the lead-up to the Voice to parliament referendum, we’re seeing constitutional change is possible. If the Voice is successful, Australia could next consider separating us from the monarchy.
Here’s what the question says, what’s new and what happens next.
A Voice to Parliament will not fix every problem facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. But it is an important step towards moving the nation to truth telling and beyond.
The Voice to Parliament is an advisory body, which means neither parliament nor the government is legally required to give effect to its representations.
The current draft wording is the model most consistent with Australia’s current and historical constitutional practice.
This constitutional reform process may be ‘unorthodox’, but it’s entirely appropriate.
An expert group formed to advise on the Voice to Parliament finds it will not give any group of Australians special rights over any other.
The Albanese government wants to change the way referendums work ahead of the Voice to Parliament vote. There are still flaws, but it is a step in the right direction.
The Yes/No case has long been flawed and the government is right to dispense with it. But it will need to replace it with something else to counter misinformation – and do so with great care.
Some Australians have dismissed a Voice to Parliament as inconsequential. That argument is mistaken.
Legally, there does not need to be anything done in Australia to result in the change from queen to king. That happens automatically.
The High Court found the NSW laws were not unconstitutional – but there is still much room for reform.
The type of recognition proposed in this current amendment goes beyond just words on a page. It is no mere formulaic opening recitation.
Of 44 referendums put to the Australian people since federation, only eight have passed – but those championing a First Nations Voice to Parliament need not be deterred.
Voter ID is costly, unnecessary. and cuts across the compulsory voting that has long been the law in Australia.
Top contributors
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Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney
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Professor of Law, UNSW Law School, UNSW
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Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
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Dean and Professor of Law, UNSW
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Professor of Constitutional Law, Monash University
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Associate Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
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Professor, Law Faculty, Monash University
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UNSW
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Senior Lecturer, The University of Western Australia
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Associate Professor, TC Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland
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Associate Professor of Law, National Security College, Australian National University
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Visiting Professorial Fellow, UNSW
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Associate Professor in Politics, Murdoch University
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Professor and Director, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW
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Research Fellow, School of Law, The University of Queensland