Can you address the concept of citizenship equality and the issue of unlimited scope?
Equal citizenship is important. But real equality also makes allowance for relevant difference. The proposed constitutional change would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia; a relevant difference for the purposes of both constitutional recognition and provision of a Voice.
The proposed new constitutional provision is carefully written to define that the Voice's role is to make ‘representations’ to government and Parliament on ‘matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’.