Voting Yes is the right thing to do Voting “yes” in this month’s referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament is an important step in moving towards a fairer nation, where our First Nations people are recognised in our Constitution and heard on matters that affect them.
Enshrining a voice in the Constitution would mean it is protected to ensure ongoing advice to the parliament, regardless of the government of the day, which could shape the structure of the voice, but ensure it remains due to the will of the people expressed through the referendum.
At ac.care, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people every day across eastern country South Australia.
Our role in supporting vulnerable people often extends to advocacy on local, state and national issues in the hope of achieving a fairer society for all based on our experience, learning from our work with country communities and listening.
We have long heard the call for a voice to parliament from advocates for a better future for our First Nations people, including many Aboriginal leaders within the communities in which we work.
Our advocacy has recently extended to uniting with fellow organisations to help inform the community about the importance and purpose of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution, backed by an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
We know there are systemic changes required at state and national level to achieve better results over the long term, one of which is listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about matters that affect them so together we can achieve better outcomes over the long term and reduce the gap in health and welfare measures between First Nations people and other Australians.
We hope to see this achieved at a national level with the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and urge Australians to take this opportunity, while our on-the-ground efforts continue to support all people to have safe homes, enough money to live on and strong, positive relationships.
This referendum is an historic opportunity for justice for First Nations peoples and to make our nation a fairer place.
While there are various bodies
that represent our First Nations
people, enshrining a Voice in the constitution can help set new directions
after previous policies have failed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the time of colonisation to the ongoing disadvantage that continues today.
Voting yes means voting to address
the issues that First Nations communities have been fighting for generations.
It means listening to people about issues that affect them and it means accepting the invitation First Nations peoples have extended through the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk alongside them.
By voting yes, we take the opportunity to recognise First Nations peoples, enshrine a Voice in the Constitution and make ourselves a better nation.
History is calling.
