Voice to Parliament: guidance for public sector employees

This year a referendum will be held for Australians to vote on whether the Constitution should be amended to recognise Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the Voice to Parliament.

The Queensland Government recognises the Queensland public sector’s role in reframing its relationship with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This includes recognising the importance of self-determination and actively promoting perspectives of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The public sector is apolitical and impartial, and for the referendum it is important to recognise that a department or public sector entity cannot decide to formulate a position, that is to support either the yes or no case.

Employee obligations

Public servants have specific obligations in their official and personal capacity. Employees must not damage confidence in the impartiality of the Queensland public sector.

When carrying out official duties

When carrying out official duties as a public sector employee you must not express a view that supports either case for the referendum.

When acting in a private or personal capacity

Engagement with the referendum may include things like attendance at community events, comments on social media, discussions with family and friends, or volunteering time.

You should be aware of your obligations regarding public discussion, as well as participation in related activities or external organisations in a private or personal capacity.

You can participate in public discussion and participate in a personal capacity, as long as you:

• are clear that you are not commenting as a government employee, or on behalf of their public sector organisation or the Queensland Government
• do not reflect seriously or adversely on your public sector employer
• do not create an actual or perceived conflict of interest when undertaking your duties as a public sector employee.

You should consider:

• any connections between the issue and your official duties – if your role involves advising on, or is otherwise related to the referendum extra care should be taken to ensure your views do not reflect adversely on your public sector organisation
• you level of seniority – and be aware that the community will generally attach greater significance to opinions of senior employees, and their leadership role for other employees
• how your views are expressed – including tone, language or extreme views for or against either case.

Support for employees

The coming months may be a time where employees feel strongly about aspects of the referendum.

It may also be a difficult time for some employees due to public commentary and differing views that are likely to be raised across the community.

The Support for employees infographic (PNG, 429.6 KB) and Support for employees poster (PDF, 244.5 KB) highlights practical ways employees can look after themselves, each other and their communities.

The Queensland Government has zero tolerance for racism in the workplace. We remain committed to providing culturally and psychologically safe workplaces for all employees.

Should you need it, support is available through your organisation’s employee assistance provider. Check with your manager, HR or on your agency’s intranet for details.

For organisations supported by Benestar, you can make a confidential appointment by calling 1300 360 364, or for the Benestar Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support line call 1800 816 152.

Support is also available by calling the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support line on 13YARN (13 92 76).

Additional information

All employees are bound by the Code of Conduct for the Queensland public service (PDF, 161.9 KB) , the Public Sector Act 2022 and the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994.

Guidance on engaging with and supporting the safe and appropriate personal use of social media can be found in the Personal use of social media guideline (DOCX, 1.2 MB) .

Support for supervisors

Managers who require assistance in relation to this guidance can contact the Public Sector Commission, HR Assist service.

Last updated:

26 September 2023