A Voice to Parliament would advise the “executive government” – that is, ministers and the public service – on issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The “yes” and “no” cases have outlined their arguments to be sent out to Australian voters. Here, legal experts examine the claims by both sides to see if they stack up.
We now know the wording of the Voice referendum and proposed constitutional amendment. But what may have been forgotten is how we got here in the first place – and why it matters.
The Australian Law Reform Commission report recommends major changes to the way judges are appointed and educated, and supports an independent body to investigate allegations of misconduct.
Our experts rated the Coalition’s model as either very unsatisfactory or a fail. Most agreed Labor’s proposed model is much better, but said a lot more detail is needed.
A chief justice is more than just a court’s figurehead: they are responsible for defending and promoting the court’s institutional integrity, and this must be taken into account when appointing them.
