The bill has passed: Aussies will get to vote on the Voice to Parliament later this year.

Aussies will get to vote on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, with the Senate passing the legislation to hold a referendum later this year. 

The law to enable the referendum was passed 52 to 19 on Monday, with the Senate setting out the proposed constitutional change, should the referendum be successful.

The proposed Voice to Parliament would be an independent body that would advise the parliament and government on the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on matters that affect them.

The vote means Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will set a date for the referendum, which must be held in the next two to six months. 

The government has already flagged it would take place between October and December.

BREAKING: Parliament has just said yes to holding a referendum.

Now the Australian people will have a chance to say yes.

Together, we can make history by enshrining recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution.

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 19, 2023

Co-chair of the Uluru Dialogue Megan Davis said the bill passing was a historic moment.

"We're closer to a referendum to finally give First Nations Peoples a chance to be heard," Prof Davis said.

"This is the recognition we've been fighting for and what the vast majority of First Nations People support. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated."

Paul Ramsay Foundation Chief First Nations Officer Michelle Steele said there was a feeling of excitement and optimism among 'yes' campaigners.

"This is an opportunity for us to really demonstrate that we are committed to this country, this is our country," she told AAP.

"I want to say to broader Australia, please just listen to us and that's the most important thing about the Voice.

"Some details might come later but it is a really a great opportunity for us to share this love of country."

While the coalition has spoken out against the Indigenous voice, most senators voted to set up the referendum to allow the public to have their say.

Liberal senator Michaelia Cash told parliament while she voted for the referendum bill, she described the Indigenous Voice as "risky, unknown and divisive".

Meanwhile, independent senator Lidia Thorpe said it would be "tokenistic" and would not address issues impacting Indigenous people.

"Happy assimilation day, everybody. Many clans and nations around this country do not support assimilating into such a racist, colonial regime and we will continue to push for our sovereignty to be acknowledged," she said.

Labor senator Murray Watt said the significance of the day was as "big as Uluru".

Some coalition members were designated to vote against the bill, in order to allow them to outline arguments for a 'no' vote in pamphlets that will be sent out to all Australian households.

Among those who voted 'no' in the chamber was opposition Indigenous Australians spokeswoman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie.

More to come.

Read more:

The question for the 'Voice to Parliament' Referendum has been revealed.

Another politician quits: What it means now the Liberal Party said they don't support the Voice to Parliament.

- With AAP. 

Feature Image: AAP.

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