WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
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.
WHAT IS THE VOICE TO PARLIAMENT?
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.
HOW WILL A VOICE TO PARLIAMENT WORK AND STRENGTHEN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES?
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.
AUSTRALIAN RECONCILIATION PEAK ORGANISATIONS
STRONGLY SUPPORT THE VOICE.
Reconciliation Victoria, alongside peak reconciliation organisations across the nation have aligned in strong support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament.
Read the Australian Reconciliation Network (ARN) joint statement here.
The Painting, the People and the Statement.
The three key components of the Uluru Statement from the Heart:
View the Statement or read the transcript.
Learn more through the Indigenous Constitutional Recognition through the Voice: Online Course
Translated Resources
The Uluru Dialogue partnered with SBS Radio to translate the languages in 64 global languages.
View or listen to the translated Supporter Toolkits in 64 CALD languages.
Listen to the Statement in over 20 Aboriginal languages (from communities in the Northern Territory and from Northern Western Australia).
Image: Bayside City Council area with Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes and city skyline.
Credit to Bayside City Council.
City of Greater Geelong | Commitment
Bayside City Council | Commitment
Banyule City Council | Commitment
Wyndham City Council | Committment
Hepburn Shire Council | Commitment
Moonee Valley City Council | Commitment
Surf Coast Shire Council | Commitment
Kingston City Council | Commitment
Nation Wide | 38 Mayors endorse the Voice
Victorian Mayors that have signed the Mayors for the Voice to Parliament Public Statement:
15 February 2023
Reconciliation Victoria hosted our first Maggolee webinar on Victorian local government support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
With a referendum coming in 2023, we heard from Victorian local governments who have formally passed motions and actions to fully support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
This webinar discussed:
Guest Speakers:
Banyule City Council | Zali Mifsud
Bayside City Council | Leanne Pearson
City of Greater Geelong | Julie Saylor-Briggs
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.
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.
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