The Australian Human Rights Commission's submission to the Indigenous Voice Co-design Groups on the proposals outlined in the Indigenous Voice Interim Report of October 2020.

Key Findings/Recommendations:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples need to be able to pursue their own political, cultural, social and economic interests, while retaining the right to participate fully in Australian life. A self-determining approach is therefore critical for promoting strong and safe communities, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are better able to transcend challenges and cycles of powerlessness.
• The Voice should have the mandate to submit to the Government, Parliament and any other competent body, opinions, recommendations, proposals and reports on any matters concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• The membership and representatives of the Voice should reflect the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and enable the participation of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in its proceedings.
• The Voice will require sufficient and sustainable resourcing to operate effectively. A National Voice—even one that was constitutionally enshrined— would not be immune from funding cuts and the undermining effect this might have on the independence of the Voice through reducing its capacity to carry out core functions and/or creating an environment where co-option is more likely to occur.