SOCIAL POLICY TOWARDS INDIGENOUS POPULATION. 2023 “THE VOICE” REFERENDUM IN AUSTRALIA

The article aims to present the discussion around one of the instruments of social policy towards the Indigenous population in Australia – the institution of “the Voice”. The study centres on “the Voice” referendum conducted on October 14, 2023. The article analyses the emotional discourses that emerged in the Australian public debate surrounding the referendum. It adopts a functional approach to emotions and a case study methodology to address the research questions: What emotional discourses have formed in the context of “the Voice” referendum? How do they reflect the perspectives of social actors, and for what purpose are they being stirred among voters? The article provides insight into the socio-political context of the referendum, outlining political actions taken towards Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.