The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice | What will a.i. vote?

Voting for the Voice to Parliament referendum is soon approaching and all Australian's will need to vote.

I thought, why not give the bill to artificial intelligence, ask it to write a summary, including pros and cons. Then ask what it would vote.

This is the result.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice 2023 is a proposed bill aimed at recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia within the Australian Constitution.

The bill seeks to establish an enduring institution known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, which would enable these indigenous communities to make representations to the Commonwealth Parliament and the Executive Government on matters that directly concern them.

The bill is a response to the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, where over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates called for constitutional recognition and the establishment of a Voice.

Key Points:

1. Recognition of First Peoples: The bill introduces a new section into the Constitution, creating a new Chapter IX named 'Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.' This section formally acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.
2. Establishment of the Voice: The bill enshrines the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution. This Voice is intended to be an enduring institution that ensures indigenous communities can provide advice and make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government on issues that impact them.
3. Core Function of the Voice: The Voice's primary function is to make representations to both the Parliament and the Executive Government about matters that relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This allows them to contribute their perspectives on policies, laws, and decisions that affect their communities.
4. Scope of Representations: The Voice's representations encompass a wide range of matters that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This includes issues specific to these communities as well as broader matters that affect them differently from the rest of the population.
5. Flexibility and Advisory Nature: The Voice's representations are advisory in nature, meaning they provide recommendations and insights to the Parliament and the Executive Government. While these representations hold weight due to the Voice's expertise, they do not have the power to prevent, delay, or veto decisions.
6. Parliament's Powers: The bill empowers the Parliament to make laws regarding various aspects of the Voice, including its composition, functions, powers, and procedures. This gives flexibility to adapt the Voice to changing circumstances and needs.
7. Financial Impact: The bill requires funding for preparations, with $59.1 million allocated for initial operational preparations. However, the specific costs of the Voice's implementation are not yet determined.
8. Human Rights Compatibility: The bill has been reviewed and found to be compatible with human rights, including the rights to self-determination, equality, and participation in public affairs.

Positives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Bill:

1. Recognition and Representation: One of the significant positives of this bill is its focus on recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia in the Constitution. It aims to rectify historical injustices by acknowledging their unique status and long-standing connection to the land.
2. Empowerment: The establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice as an enduring institution empowers these communities to voice their concerns and perspectives directly to the Parliament and the Executive Government. This provides them with a platform to influence policies, laws, and decisions that directly impact their lives.
3. Cultural Preservation: By giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the ability to provide input into decision-making processes, the bill promotes the preservation of their cultural heritage, practices, and traditions. This can lead to policies that are more respectful and considerate of their unique cultural needs.
4. Addressing Historical Disadvantage: The bill acknowledges the ongoing challenges and disadvantages that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have faced due to historical injustices and exclusion. By creating a formal mechanism for their input, the bill aims to contribute to addressing these inequalities.
5. Self-Determination: The bill aligns with the principle of self-determination, allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have agency in shaping their own futures and influencing decisions that affect their communities directly.
6. Democratic Participation: The bill enhances democratic participation by ensuring that indigenous voices are heard at the highest levels of government. It provides an avenue for meaningful engagement in shaping laws and policies that affect their lives.

Negatives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Bill:

1. Advisory Nature: While the Voice is given the power to make representations, these representations are advisory and not legally binding. This could lead to frustration if the recommendations made by the Voice are not acted upon, potentially leading to disillusionment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
2. Potential for Ineffectiveness: The bill's success relies on the willingness of the Parliament and the Executive Government to consider and act upon the representations made by the Voice. If there is resistance or indifference, the Voice's impact could be limited, making it ineffective in driving meaningful change.
3. Uncertain Implementation Costs: The bill's financial impact is not fully determined, and the cost of implementing and maintaining the Voice could be significant. This raises questions about the allocation of resources and the potential for diverting funds from other important programs.
4. Complexity of Decision-Making: The bill's structure raises questions about the complexity of decision-making when various stakeholders are involved. Determining the priorities and deciding on which matters to make representations could be challenging and might lead to internal conflicts within the Voice.
5. Potential for Symbolic Change: While the bill enshrines recognition and representation, it may not necessarily lead to tangible improvements in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There is a concern that the establishment of the Voice might be seen as a symbolic gesture without substantive changes in policies and outcomes.
6. Potential for Political Manipulation: The bill's effectiveness could be influenced by changes in government and political agendas. If future governments do not prioritise the Voice's input, its impact could be diminished, potentially leading to a lack of consistency in policy considerations.

Summary

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice 2023 Bill holds the promise of recognising, empowering, and giving voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

However, its effectiveness and impact depend on the willingness of governments to listen and act upon the Voice's recommendations.

As with any complex legislative initiative, the bill has both potential benefits and challenges that need to be carefully considered by voters when deciding whether to support it.

As for the vote...Yes or No?

I don't have personal opinions or the ability to vote, so I cannot provide a "yes" or "no" vote on any matter. However, I can provide information and analysis to help you understand the different aspects of a topic so that you can make an informed decision based on your own beliefs and values. If you have any specific questions or need more information about the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023 Bill, feel free to ask.