The Mental Health Coalition of SA and its Board publicly acknowledges its support for voting ‘yes’ in this year’s referendum on a First Nation Voice to Parliament.
A constitutionally recognised First Nation Voice is a key part of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. This Statement is the coming together of 13 Regional Dialogues where First Nations Peoples arrived at a consensus on what Constitutional recognition should look like.
You can read The Statement here. It is an invitation from First Nations Peoples to all Australians to support the next steps in constitutional change and structural reform.
“We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.”
- From the Uluru Statement from the Heart
This year’s referendum will ask Australians if they agree with the principle that First Nations Peoples should have a seat at the table when decisions are being made about their lives. We know through our own work how important it is for the voice of lived experience to be included in the creation of policies and laws that have a direct impact. Self determination is integral to social and emotional wellbeing.We see this as a human right.
The shape of the First Nations Voice will be determined by the Parliament and the process has been described as “the Constitution is for the principles, the concept. The Parliament is for the shape, the bricks and mortar.”
To find out more about the First Nations Voice please visit The Uluru Statement here.
