There is significant confusion about how powerful the Voice will be. There are conflicting messages and disagreements between experts acting in good faith.

Some ‘Yes’ advocates have suggested that the Voice has no special powers. Some argue that the Voice is akin to existing advocacy groups, which are privately funded, lack representation or consultation rights, and are not in the Constitution. Robert French suggests that the Parliament could limit the Voice because it can prescribe the manner and form through which it makes representations.