Overview
The upcoming referendum is a historic opportunity to reimagine our nation. It is our chance to come together to deliver real change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so they can take their rightful place in our nation.
Mission Australia’s vision for Reconciliation is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of this country will be restored to a place of equity, dignity and respect. We support a Voice to Parliament and believe that a Voice to Parliament that is enshrined in and protected by the Constitution is a vital first step to ensuring Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians. The Voice to Parliament will empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say on the laws and policies that impact them. It will be a permanent institution that will provide advice to the Parliament and Government on important issues. The Voice needs to be able to speak to both the executive and parliament. Without being able to do so the Voice will not be able to deliver meaningful change. This is particularly important for providing advice about improving programs and services.
To achieve substantial and sustainable change towards Reconciliation, solutions must be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and people. Holistic conversations and action around treaty and truth need to complement proposed changes regarding a Voice to Parliament. We continue to call for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations to be at the centre of policies that affect them as this results in better outcomes for the people we serve. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations have the solutions to issues affecting their communities.