As Australians prepare to vote in a referendum to give Indigenous people a voice in parliament, Prof Marcia Langton explores the long struggle for equal rights

Australians are heading to the polls for a historic referendum that could change their constitution.

They are voting on whether to recognise Indigenous people in the constitution by creating a body to advise on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The body, known as the Indigenous voice, would offer non-binding advice to parliament and the government on issues such as healthcare and education. Recent polls have suggested the majority of Australians will reject the plan.

This post was originally published on Human rights | The Guardian.