Statement from the National Centre for Cultural Competence
The referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament asks us to make one of the most crucial decisions in our lifetime, to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution.
It will create a mechanism for their Voices to be heard in real and practical ways, and to rectify an absence that has always been present.
We acknowledge that a Voice in the Constitution is not everything. It doesn’t preclude the need for Treaty, or Treaties. It won’t instantly fix all the issues such as gaps in life expectancy, over-representation in the justice system and racism, which is evident across all facets of life.
What it will do is honour the rightful place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of this land. It will provide a mechanism for First Nations people to give advice to the Federal Parliament, to have appropriate input into laws and policies which affect their communities. It will change the relationship between government and communities and how real and practical change is created and delivered.
The National Centre for Cultural Competence supports a Yes vote. As individuals and a group, we have come to this position after listening carefully and hearing the call for a Voice. We have reflected on what it means for Australia if we don’t stand up and take this opportunity to honour and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their rightful place as the First Peoples of this land.
This webpage is intended to be a hub to help you find resources that will assist you in understanding the issues and to make your own decision.