First Peoples Voice to Parliament is the first reform called for in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
This is a constitutionally enshrined body of First Nations People with a direct line to Federal Parliament, able to influence laws and policies that affect First Nations communities.
A constitutional Voice is both symbolic and substantive recognition.
The Uluru Statement is an invitation from First Nations Peoples issued to all Australians on 27 May 2017. It calls for legal and structural reforms to reshape the relationship between First Nations Peoples and the Australian population.
The statement calls for two substantive changes:
Voice and Makarrata.
A Voice will mean the commonwealth government will have better quality information about First Nations communities and issues, delivered directly by First Nations Peoples themselves.
More accurate and detailed information from communities themselves will result in better quality laws and policies, improving the delivery and allocation of services and resources, and improving outcomes in all closing the gap areas, including health, housing, criminal justice, employment and education.
Read Reconciliation Victoria’s Position Statement on a Voice to Parliament here.
The three key components of the Uluru Statement from the Heart:
The Painting, the People and the Statement.
Learn more about the three components on From the Heart's interactive feature.
Local Councils
City of Greater Geelong | Commitment
Bayside City Council | Commitment
Banyule City Council | Commitment
Nation Wide | 38 Mayors endorse the Voice
Victorian Mayors that have signed the Mayors for the Voice to Parliament Public Statement:
Pictured (Left to Right): Emily Holn, Uncle Glenn Loughrey, Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Uncle Shane Charles, Thomas Mayor, Margaret Hepworth (IofC).
Reconciliation Victoria recently took part in the First Nations Voice in the Constitution - Steps to the Referendum forum run by international NGO, Initiatives of Change , on Tuesday 10 January 2023.
Keynote speakers included Reconciliation Victoria’s Co-Chair, Uncle Shane Charles, Uncle Glenn Loughrey, and Thomas Mayor from the national campaign group From the Heart.
The forum provided attendees with a high-level briefing on steps and strategies to take to achieve a YES vote in the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum.
Reconciliation Victoria is inspired by what we learnt at the forum and grateful to have more details and strategies to prepare for the referendum.
Reconciliation Australia has released the 2022 Australian Reconciliation Barometer (ARB), a biennial national research survey which looks at the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider population, and how perceptions affect progress towards reconciliation.
When it comes to the key proposals for a First Nations Voice to Parliament, Australians widely believe the reforms are important, including 60% in the general community who think giving First Nations people a say is very important. However, itis notable that sentiments have softened regarding a Voice and Truth-telling, since 2020.
The vast majority also think it’s important for Constitutional changes to establish a First Nations representative Body and toprotect that Body. And, most Australians (69%) believe such reconciliation efforts are the responsibility of all Australians. (page 2)
Read the report here.
Uluru Statement From the Heart | National Indigenous Australians Agency
Indigenous Voice Co-design Process: Final Report | National Indigenous Australians Agency
Referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice | National Indigenous Australians Agency
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commitment to Uluru Statement from the Heart | ABC News, May 2022
Supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart | IoFC Australia
Uluru Statement From the Heart
Uluru Statement: A Quick Guide | Australian Parliament House
Statement Education Resources | Uluru Dialoague
Indigenous Constitutional Recognition Online Course |
From the Heart
Supporter Kit | Uluru Dialogue
Campaign Toolkit | From the Heart
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria, and recognise First Peoples continuing connection to lands, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present who carry the memories, traditions, cultures and aspirations of First Peoples, and who forge the path ahead for emerging leaders.
We dedicate ourselves to working respectfully with and guided by First Peoples, and to listen and amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in all areas of work
Reconciliation Victoria acknowledges the valuable support we receive from our funding partners.
%20White%20Text%20(2).png){kind=spacer}
.png)
.png)