The notion of Indigenous peoples having a Voice is not unique — just ask Pacific countries

In under two weeks, Australians will vote in a constitutional referendum on whether to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. University of Technology Sydney constitutional lawyer Harry Hobbs said the senate must be consulted by New Caledonia's government when it comes to issues around Kanak identity, customary civil status and customary lands. Melbourne University associate professor Simon Batterbury, who researches social and environmental history in New Caledonia, said the senate's existence proved there was "nothing to fear" from an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Western Sydney University associate professor Litea Meo-Sewabu, who researches Indigenous governance in Fiji, said the GCC was where "the Indigenous voice is usually heard". Vanuatu's deputy opposition leader Ralph Regenvanu said the Voice was "by no means a radical proposal" because like the Malvatumauri, it could be refined.