Kiama Council has voted to support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum coming up later this year.

The Federal Government passed legislation in June 2023 to hold a referendum later this year that asks Australians if we should establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament to serve as an independent advisory board to the government.

If successful, The Voice will be able to make recommendations to the Federal Government but not actually dictate or pass legislation. It also will not directly deliver any services. Implementing The Voice would require amendments to Australia’s constitution, which requires a majority vote in a referendum to be made.

Councillor Stuart Larkins put forward a motion on 18 July that calls for Kiama Council to officially lend support to The Voice, as well as make information available from the Federal Government about the referendum available on its own website and social media channels.

The motion also means that Council will waive hall costs and fees for information sessions for any interested community groups and individuals related to the referendum.

In voicing her support for the motion, Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma said it was incredibly important that Council provides space for the community to have important discussions about The Voice.

“This is the first referendum of my lifetime and I think we should give all members of the community the opportunity not only to discuss, but to disseminate information on the referendum. This will play a huge role in the lead up to the referendum.”

Councillor Mark Croxford was the only councillor that voted against the motion. Councillor Croxford had previously forwarded an amendment that would change the wording of the motion so that council maintained a neutral stance on The Voice while respecting the democratic process.

He also wanted to make it clear that all interested parties, despite their political leanings, would be given the same space to discuss their viewpoint. However, Mayor Neil Reilly said the amendment was considered to be directly against the original motion, and would therefore be unlawful.

Speaking to The Bugle, Mayor Reilly said there was a good reason why Kiama Council decided to lend its support to a Federal Government issue.

“It comes down to a simple word, and that’s democracy. We have nine councillors and the majority of those councillors feel this is an important thing,” said Mayor Reilly.

 "You could say it’s a Commonwealth Government initiative, well the Commonwealth government supports the local government by giving us federal assistance grants, they support the state government by giving them GST and the state government supports us by allowing us to be an extended arm of them."

The referendum is expected to be held in October 2023, but an official date is yet to be announced.