Voice of the Outer South East (VOSE)’s Post

ActionAid Australia Board and staff launching our support for the YES23! As an organisation that works to advance justice for women globally, ActionAid stands in solidarity with First Nations people. We encourage our supporters and the broader Australian community to vote YES in the upcoming referendum on 14 October 2023 as a critical step towards justice for First Nations people. ActionAid recognises that in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially women, are at the forefront of injustice despite being the First Peoples of this country. They face stark inequality, racism, high rates of incarceration, and marginalisation. Successive governments have failed to allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people decide what’s best for their families, communities, and country. Indigenous communities are calling for change, and ActionAid stands in solidarity with this call. The Voice proposal comes from the Uluru Statement From the Heart, an historic statement from 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders proposing key reforms to create a better future. The Uluru Statement calls for three steps: the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice enshrined in the Constitution and Makarrata, a truth-telling and treaty process. The Voice is the first step in this process. In the lead up to the referendum, ActionAid is speaking out in favour of a YES vote with our supporters and networks. In the aftermath of the referendum, we will continue to stand with First Nations people. No matter the outcome, it will take a strong and united movement to bring about change. We hope you will join us in charting a new future for our country towards justice for First Nations people.

This year Australia will be running a referendum on whether to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander #Voice. As a former policy analyst and development practitioner, I have been following this process with keen interest. Consultation is an inherit component of my work, but I am guilty of being a bit cynical when these consultation processes are being led by government. I just haven’t trusted that government is genuinely committed to in-depth engagement or, just as importantly, actually addressing the findings. So it was with some surprise, and relief, to discover an example of good practice in Australia. That example is the regional dialogues that led to the Uluru Statement. The Dialogues engaged 1,200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates across 13 meetings around Australia, with a further 250 delegates invited to Uluru. This is impressive, as is the fact that the dialogues were organised by indigenous organisations at the grass roots level, as opposed to being organised by a state Ministry. A genuine attempt to bring together diverse voices and hold a constructive debate, with indigenous organisations given a prominent role throughout the process. As Australia begins to prepare for the referendum (expected to be held between September and December 2023), I hope that the media will help to raise awareness of the consultation process that led up to the Uluru Statement, the consistent support for a Voice across the regional dialogues, and the majority vote at Uluru to push for a Voice to Parliament. It’s a process that Australians can be proud of. If this process is also of interest to you, I can highly recommend Megan Davis (Pro Vice-Chancellor, UNSW) and George Williams (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UNSW) book on the Uluru Statement, which I have linked below. It was easy to get through and very informative. Megan Davis has also provided several interviews online, which are very helpful for understanding the work done to date (https://lnkd.in/gNsF8PrV). #voicetoparliament #ulurustatement https://lnkd.in/gvFXQSuG

✅ The referendum will ask Australians if they agree with the principle that First Nations people should have a seat at the table when decisions are being made about their lives. The exact shape will be determined by the parliament following a successful referendum. This allows for the shape to be changed by parliaments over time according to the conditions of the day. Put simply, the constitution is for the principles, the concept. The parliament is for the shape, the bricks and mortar.  __________________  The Foundation strongly endorses the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its belief that enshrining the Voice in the Constitution will deliver a “fuller expression of Australia’s nationhood”.  The Foundation believes that there is strong alignment between the Voice and our National purpose, with a clear sense that something must change to address the unacceptable life outcomes for too many Indigenous Australians. The Foundation believes there is a growing recognition that elevating the voice of Indigenous Australians is an important step towards building a more trusted and collaborative future for all Australians.   We welcome you to view the Foundations full statement here: https://buff.ly/45wweby  #historyiscalling #leadership #purpose #philanthropy #yes23 

The upcoming referendum on a Voice to Parliament provides an opportunity for all Australians to express our support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and human rights. The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for “the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution”. This Voice would allow for meaningful consultation with Indigenous Australians on matters that affect them, and provide a platform to address the wrongs of the past and create a better future. The Uluru Statement from the Heart outlines an important step towards reconciliation - one that seeks to recognise, acknowledge and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views in decisions about their own lives. It is an opportunity to move beyond tokenistic gestures and instead truly listen to the voices of a 65 000 year old rich, deep and resilient culture. The Voice to Parliament also has the potential to play a vital role in improving social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By providing a platform for authentic dialogue, it is hoped that more positive health outcomes will be achieved. This referendum offers an opportunity for every Australian to support a better approach to social and emotional wellbeing. Finally, the Voice to Parliament is an important step towards Treaty and Truth. It seeks to create space for truth-telling about the past, so that mistakes will not be repeated in the future. This is an incredibly powerful tool for reconciliation, one which we must embrace if we are serious about achieving meaningful change. The upcoming referendum on a Voice to Parliament is an opportunity for us all to express our support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination, human rights, Treaty and Truth. It is time for us to take this important step forward in the journey towards true reconciliation between settlers and the First Peoples of this land. Join me in voting Yes at the referendum and take a stand for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination: https://www.yes23.com.au/

Recently I prepared a Vice President’s message to AILA Victoria: ‘Coming up on 14 October is the Voice Referendum. AILA has been through a long and considered discussion to determine a position. This discussion has been held among members, executives, board and importantly with our cultural ambassadors.   The depth of these discussions sets AILA apart from many other bodies as one that has engaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Peoples to provide their thoughts and guidance. This is exactly what the Voice is seeking, the opportunity for their diverse views to be considered in decisions that affect ATSI Peoples.   Surprisingly, ATSI support for the Yes campaign is not unanimous and varies widely across the country. What has emerged is a strong desire that members undertake their own research, discuss the referendum widely and form their own opinion. AILA is keen for members to adopt this approach. Simply following the lead of an organization, whether a business or an institute is not the approach the ATSI People are seeking.   This has caused considerable debate among members. Many believe that AILA should take clear lead. I encourage members to take time talking to colleagues and make up their own minds. You only have two choices. Either a YES or a NO vote. There is no other choice. For clarity: abstaining, being unsure or being unaware all translate to a NO vote.   After seeking counsel and information from a range of people and sources, I have decided to vote YES. As Professionals, we are adept at distilling complex issues into balanced and considered responses. I invite all members to undertake similar counsel.’ I am delighted that Hansen Partnership have declared support for the YES campaign and recently held an office-wide knowledge-sharing session. Consistent with the approach sought by the AILA, we invite each employee to conduct their own research and form their own opinion. I considered many issues in reaching this position, reflecting both sides of the debate. Perhaps the most persuasive ones are: • The Uluru Statement recognises the Voice as a key step towards reconciliation for Australians. Drafted by representatives across Australia, it is a considered and thoughtful response. • The NO approach may prolong discussions, delaying alternative approaches. The Voice doesn't hinder other actions, such as treaty, and may be the vehicle that enables these to occur. •  The Voice allows ATSI perspectives to be heard, addressing the imbalance in our political system which provides a voice for some but not all. •  A NO vote maintains the status quo, perpetuating inequity between Indigenous Australians and others. •  We’re fortunate to live in a country that boasts the world’s oldest living culture. We have a lot to learn from ATSI Peoples and the Voice is a path for sharing these learnings in a formal and tangible way. I encourage everyone to engage in discussions and educate yourself before reaching a final decision.