What is the 2023 Referendum?
This vote will give all Australians the chance to come together and consider a change to our constitution that will honour and celebrate the rights, history, and ongoing relationship of Indigenous Australians with this land. It’s a rare chance to make a major positive impact now and for future generations.
Australia has been considering constitutional recognition for more than 15 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have asked that the form of recognition come through a Voice to Parliament, which will give advice on laws and policies that affect Indigenous people.
This is what the Australian people are now being asked to decide: Should we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in The Constitution, with a Voice?
Read More Here.
What is the Uluru Statement From The Heart?
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people from First Nations Australians. It asks Australians to walk together to build a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution, and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty-making and truth-telling.
THE ULURU STATEMENT IN YOUR LANGUAGE.
For more language resources, click here.
What does it mean?
Voice to Parliament – Enshrining an Indigenous Voice in the Australian Constitution will give a permanent line of communication for Indigenous peoples to the Australian Government to have a say on issues that affect them and be able to contribute before they make the laws and policies that affect them.
Treaty – A long-standing demand of Indigenous peoples. A ‘Makarrata Commission’ would guide agreement-making between Indigenous peoples and governments.
Truth-Telling – The ‘Makarrata Commission’ would also make sure that the true history of colonization is finally told’
Uluru Statement from the Heart Background (Video)
How is Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services supporting the 2023 Referendum?
Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services Says YES. We are committed to standing alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Read our Position Statement for Voice to Parliament here.
