Lawyers Weekly interview that’s worth reading if you want to get a better understanding of what “The Voice” is and how it relates to constitutional law in Australia
Here’s the introduction
Recognised constitutional expert, Professor Emerita Anne Twomey spoke to Lawyers Weekly about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, its scope or otherwise to influence lawmaking, and the importance of the legislative processes surrounding it.
Ms Twomey discussed the function of the Voice in its capacity to influence laws and policies.
“The purpose behind the proposed amendment is to allow Parliament and the executive government to be better informed when making or altering laws or policies, by hearing from those affected, so that outcomes can be improved,” Ms Twomey explained.
“The primary function of the Voice, as set out in proposed s 129(ii), will be to make representations to the Parliament and the executive government.”
“This could, for example, include representations to Parliament asking it to amend an existing law to improve its efficient application or prevent an adverse effect upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“It could also include representations about a proposed law, seeking to improve its operation.”
The legislation that establishes the Voice will be of importance, she continued.
“How the Voice operates in practice will very much depend upon the legislation that sets it up and determines its procedures and how it interacts with the executive government and the Parliament,” Ms Twomey outlined.
Ms Twomey noted that Parliament might legislate established procedures by which representations by the Voice are made.
Read the full report
https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/biglaw/37146-professor-anne-twomey-on-the-capacities-and-operation-of-the-voice?utm_source=LawyersWeekly&utm_campaign=20_04_23&utm_medium=email&utm_content=3&utm_emailID=882dfb433067b4011c87c45ff376fe5c42fdf5fc8de3c999c59a0ade0bb38b91
