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The Voice to Parliament Handbook

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The Voice to Parliament Handbook

By: Thomas Mayo, Kerry O'Brien
Narrated by: Kerry O'Brien, Thomas Mayo
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About this listen

'We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.' These words from the Uluru Statement from the Heart are a heartfelt invitation from First Nations People to fellow Australians, who will have the opportunity to respond when the Voice referendum is put to a national vote by the Albanese Government.

Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo and acclaimed journalist Kerry O’Brien have written this handbook to answer the most commonly asked questions about why the Voice should be enshrined in the Constitution, and how it might function to improve policies affecting Indigenous communities, and genuinely close the gap on inequalities at the most basic level of human dignity.

A handy tool for people inclined to support a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum, The Voice to Parliament Handbook reflects on this historic opportunity for genuine reconciliation, to right the wrongs and heal the ruptured soul of a nation. This guide offers simple explanations, useful anecdotes, historic analogies and visual representations, so you can share it among friends, family and community networks in the build-up to the referendum.

If the ‘yes’ vote is successful this book will also become a keepsake of an important and emotional milestone in Australia's history.

2024, Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) Audiobook of the Year, Short-listed

2024, Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) Book of the Year, Winner

2024, Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) General Non-Fiction Book of the Year, Winner

2024, Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) Social Impact Book of the Year, Winner

2024, BookPeople (formerly ABA) Book of the Year Award Adult Non-Fiction, Short-listed

©2023 Thomas Mayo & Kerry O’Brien. Copyright text chapter 6 © Professor Fiona Stanley & Professor Marcia Langton 2023. Copyright design © Hardie Grant Publishing 2023. Publishing in 2023 by Hardie Grant Explore, an imprint of Hardie Grant Publishing (P)2023 Bolinda Publishing Australia & Oceania Indigenous Studies Oceania Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences Specific Demographics World

Critic Reviews

'A portable reference to be whipped out to clear up confusion or answer questions that arise in day-to-day conversations.' (The Guardian)
All stars
Most relevant  
Primarily a summary of the history of how the voice to parliament was reached and the processes involved. For listeners who are primarily interested in seeking clarification on matters raised as issues in the media, Chapter 10 will be your go to. For those who already agree but wish to learn more, the whole book will be useful.

Chapter 10 is most helpful to make a decision

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Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom as well as communicating with cultural accurate grace,

Clear and concise

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For those reviews stating this book was unhelpful and biased, I suspect they did not listen to the whole book.

Yes, there is a bit of history that puts the referendum in context (as it should), but chapters 10 and 11 answer all the curly questions you may have regarding the vote, the data and statistics gathered that show how effective the Voice to Parliament could be and why it should be enshrined in the constitution.

A very informative, quick listen and well worth the time to make an informed decision on a matter that effects the most vulnerable in our country.

Very Informative

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A really interesting listen with a lean towards a yes vote. But very well researched and factual laid out by experts in their respective fields. I’m recommending it to all who are interested in having conversations about this topic.

A must listen before the referendum

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Just what is required on this topic at such a crucial time for our country

Clear and well thought out and written

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Clearly written, quick to digest and read in an accessible way. The authors do a great job of setting out the history and context for how we got to this point, why we are being asked to vote on this and how the Voice will make a positive difference. The book also brings the focus back to the main issues - extremely useful for anyone feeling confused or overwhelmed by the noise in the media and online.

An informative, helpful, must-listen before 14 October

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Succinct and convincing, not stone left unturned. If you are in doubt about a Yes vote or want some more assistance with chatting with friends on this referendum then hear this.

Vital read for every Aussie!

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Listen. Understand. Does the NO campaign have an equivalent document. The tricky thing is spreading the message, but we have to.

A clear and conise reason to vote Yes

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Clear precise and easy to understand.
Everyone should read this before voting or to reinforce your decision

Voice Explained

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Having read some of the negative reviews for this book, I believe some people have misunderstood who the book is for. Given the title of the book, "Everything you need to know", this is understandable, I started the book assuming it would be purely informational, and from what I gather, others assumed the same and were disappointed by the biased opinions of the authors. However, I realised after about the third chapter that the purpose of this book is actually to give people talking points around the benefits of the voice. If you are currently thinking of voting 'No', listen to this book to give yourself insight into why people would vote 'Yes'. if you are currently a 'Yes' voter, listen to this book for some talking points with 'No' voters.

People have misunderstood the book

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.