The yes pamphlet: campaign’s voice to parliament referendum essay – annotated and factchecked

Vote Yes for a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all Australians.

Vote Yes for unity, hope and to make a positive difference.

Voting YES is about:

Recognition

■ Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our Constitution and paying respect to 65,000 years of culture and tradition.

Listening

■ Listening to advice from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about matters that affect their lives, so governments make better decisions.

Better Results

■ ^{Making practical progress in Indigenous health, education, employment and housing, so people have a better life.}

The latest data from the Productivity Commission shows few Closing the Gap report targets are on track to be met and, in crucial areas like incarceration and child removals, the gap is getting worse. These are entrenched issues that will take a long time to turn around, whether there is a voice or not.

It’s a change only you can make happen.

The government could legislate a voice but constitutional enshrinement is something that is called for in the Uluru statement from the heart.

^{Vote Yes to an idea that comes directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people themselves: Constitutional Recognition through a Voice.}