Voices State Library of Western Australia Referendum Panel Conversations

With just a few short months to go before Australia votes on whether to change its Constitution by establishing an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament, the State Library of Western Australia wants to hear from you.

We are holding two panel conversations, followed by an audience Q & A, to discuss:
– What the referendum proposes to deliver for Aboriginal people across Australia.
– Why elements of the campaigning have been so divisive.
– International perspectives on First Nations political representation.
– Join us to hear from leading politicians, community Elders, academics and youth leaders and find out why your voice matters in the 2023 referendum.

Ahead of each panel conversation, audience members will be invited to put forward questions to the panel. Please register to confirm your attendance and to receive a link to ask questions.

These sessions will be accompanied by a mini exhibition sharing items in the State Library’s collection from the historic 1967 Referendum.

Panel 1 – Your Voice Matters
On Thursday, 31 August, 6 – 8 pm, former Liberal Cabinet Minister the Hon Ken Wyatt, academic and expert on Indigenous human rights law, Dr Hannah McGlade, storyteller and intercultural dialogue specialist Shenali Perera, former Chair Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Jackie Oakley and moderated by award-winning journalist Victoria Laurie to discuss the background to the Voice vote, why this referendum has become a political hot potato and what it looks like from an international perspective.

Panel 2 – From There to Here
On Wednesday 4 October 6 – 8pm join writer and storyteller Sisonke Msimang when she asks Elders Aunty Irene and Uncle Albert McNamara, Elder Jim Morrison and youth leaders Ezra Jacobs-Smith and Sophie Coffin to share their stories, thoughts and hopes on what the future will look like for all Australians in the next chapter of our shared history.