The single photo that shows how Australia is ALREADY divided over the Voice to Parliament

This photo illustrates the division among Australian politicians over Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s proposed vote to parliament.

When Attorney General Mark Dreyfus introduced the bill that will set up the referendum later this year on Thursday morning – the Constitutional Amendment Bill – he is said to have seen a contrasting scene in the chamber.

While the government benches and public gallery were packed with people, there were few opposition faces in the room.

Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton was not in attendance, nor was his deputy Sussan Ley.

As more members of the coalition trickled in as Dreyfus finished his speech, the division between one side and the other was obvious.

Mr Dreyfus told those in attendance: “This is an important reform, but it is modest”, adding that it would “provide a path for the Executive Government and Parliament to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders”.

The conclusion of his speech was greeted with raucous applause from the Labor benches and much of the cross bench.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among those who stood and pointed to the public gallery where members of the government’s referendum working group and other indigenous leaders watched the historic moment.

Coalition MP Russell Broadbent was among those applauding after the speech.

Mr Albanese and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney were offered well wishes and hugs by members of their own party.

Senators Malarndirri McCarthy, Jana Stewart and Nita Green also watched from the sides.

Mr Dreyfus sought to further clarify the purpose of the Voice in his speech, following rampant criticism from the opposition that Labor has not done enough to inform the community of its purpose.

He said: ‘It complements the existing structures of Australia’s democratic system and enhances the normal functioning of government and the law.

“It creates an independent institution that speaks of parliament and executive government. But it doesn’t directly supersede or hinder either of them’s actions.”

Mr Dreyfus said the Voice would not be required to form an opinion on any law or policy, only those it considers important.

“The Voice will determine when to protest by managing its own priorities and allocating its resources in accordance with the priorities of First Nations peoples,” he said.

“It is crucial that The Voice will be proactive. It does not have to wait for the moment to ask its opinion before it can give it, but the constitutional amendment only obliges parliament or the executive government to consult the vote before taking action.

“The Voice will create a vital link between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, parliament and the executive government. Nothing in the provision will interfere with the normal functioning of our democratic system.”

The Australian public will have the chance to vote later this year on whether they want a Voice to Parliament.

Mr Dreyfus said: ‘I trust the Australian people understand that this is the chance for a brighter future, not just for Australia’s first peoples, but for all Australians.’

But there are many outspoken critics of the Voice who question the scope of the powers that will be made available to members.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said one of his main concerns is whether it will have the power to ‘slow down the machinery of government’.

“You just can’t say to people, if it makes you feel good, just vote for it,” he said.

“If it ends up in the Supreme Court for years, if it slows down the machinery of government, if it adds billions of dollars to the cost of doing business, it all just gets passed on to the taxpayer.”

At an emotional press conference last Thursday, Mr Albanese swallowed his tears as he unveiled the wording of the Voice to Parliament referendum.

The referendum, to be held between October and December, will ask the public to consider: ‘A Bill: To amend the Constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by introducing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice set. Do you agree with this proposed change?’

Mr. Albanese burst into tears five times as he said, “This moment has been a long time in the making. It’s a simple matter from the heart.

“Recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our constitution is the best chance this country has had to address the injustices of the past and move Australia forward for all. The best way to do this is to give people a voice.’

For 122 years, the constitution has made no reference to the original inhabitants of the continent, who, according to the prime minister, have been “unbrokenly linked to this vast land for more than 65,000 years.”