‘[We hope for] a future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia.’ – Kevin Rudd, Apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, February 13, 2008.

Later this year, Australia will vote on whether to grant one group of citizens a greater voice in the governance of the country than others, based on their race.

Australia will vote on whether to establish a constitutional body called the ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice’, whose power and influence will be open only to...