THE REFERENDUM 2023 TAPES PODCAST
From the 28th of January 2023 through to the day of the 2023 Referendum, Victorian Aboriginal News remained committed to providing all Australians with accurate and reliable information relating to the 2023 Referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament embedded within the Constitution.
Our deep and sincere gratitude is extended to all those people who made the Referendum 2023 Tapes podcast such an incredible success.
This project is now closed and the podcast has evolved into the VAN Talks Podcast.
Referendum ’23 Tapes podcast episodes

One of this country’s foremost authorities on reconciliation, Professor Andrew Gunstone, provides important perspectives on the referendum for a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Confused by the referendum question and proposed amendment to the Constitution? To gain clarity, we’re joined by leading Constitution lawyer, Professor Cheryl Saunders.

Despite the hook on which many hang their rationale for a NO vote - the supposed absence of local and regional voices - we reveal the truth about this all-important issue.

OK, so what do you think is going to happen when a tiny media outlet calls out the mistruths being presented by a big name commentator on a global network? Let's wait and see.

On the 26th of March, South Australia led the way with a First Nations Voice to that State’s Parliament. In this episode we speak to the SSA Commissioner for Voice, Dale Agius

If you think for a minute that the Voice will just suddenly appear if a Yes vote gets over the line, think again. There’s an enormous amount of work that will need to be undertaken before that happens.

Member of the First Nations Referendum Working Group and Taungurung man Marcus Stewart joins Charles on the Ref 23 Tapes podcast to talk about the role and efforts of the Working Group.

CEO of the Fred Hollows Foundation, Ian Wishart, discusses the 144-strong coalition of social justice organisations supporting a First Nations Voice to Parliament

Rather than adding another layer of bureaucracy, the National Party of Australia advocates for greater empowerment of local First Nations communities as an option to a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Kate Thwaites, MP, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, speaks with Charles Pakana on proposed changes to some of the ways in which Australia runs its referendums.

Head of NITV, Tanya Denning Orman, discusses the SBS/NITV strategy that will guide the network's coverage of the Referendum campaign for a First Nations Voice to Parliament

Commencing our series of interviews with politicians from both sides of the Referendum campaign, we are joined by the Federal Member for Cooper, Ged Kearney, MP.

Wiradjuri man, Reverend Canon Glenn Loughrey from the Anglican Church joins us on the Referendum ‘23 Tapes podcast to discuss the role of the church in promoting reliable information and the need for asking questions and joining in conversations.

Answering questions I'm often asked about the editorial direction and focus of the Victorian Aboriginal News Referendum '23 Tapes podcast.

Chair of the City of Newcastle's Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Luke Russell, speaks with VAN about the power of Aboriginal voices.

From The Heart’s National Field Organiser Emily Holm speaks with VAN on topics ranging from local government involvement in educating community to the importance of correct information above pushing home specific messages.

Architect of the Mayors for the Voice to Parliament Public Statement, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, joins us to discuss the important role local government has in the forthcoming referendum.

Carlo Carli, Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA) discusses the strong support for a First Nations Voice to Parliament from ethnic communities.

Reconciliation Victoria has been at the forefront of a First Nations alliance for two decades. With a First Nations Voice referendum on the horizon, that alliance is picking up momentum.

Emeritus President of the International Association of Constitutional Law, Professor Cheryl Saunders gives insights into the Australian Constitution.

Author, Uluru Statement from the Heart campaigner, Maritime Union Official and Torres Strait Islander Thomas Mayo speaks frankly about a Voice to Parliament.