ANTaR Queensland supports
Voice to Parliament
We see the Voice as a step towards Treaty and Truth and towards full recognition and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We support Voice as a mechanism to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concerns and problem-solving to Government and Parliament.
We support respectful spaces for yarning and dialogue that allows different views and understandings.
We accept that Voice is not recognition of First Nations’ sovereignty but consider it could evolve into the basis for such recognition – if we all make it happen.
The Voice referendum represents a significant step towards realising the aspirations outlined in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Its purpose is to amend the constitution to acknowledge and celebrate the rights, history, and ongoing relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to the land. The constitutional change will establish a ‘Voice to Parliament’, an independent advisory body that would provide guidance on laws and policies affecting First Nations communities to government and Parliament.
How will it work?
If the referendum is successful, a thorough consultation process will be held to determine how the Voice will work. The goal is to represent community concerns and solutions to problems to government and so shape and improve policies. This inclusive approach ensures that the design incorporates collective input and addresses the concerns of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. By deferring the detailed consultation until after obtaining public endorsement for recognising First Nations in the constitution, the focus remains on achieving widespread support for this crucial step.
Establishing the Voice presents an exceptional opportunity to foster recognition, empowerment, and reconciliation for the First Peoples of Australia. It signifies a commitment to addressing historical injustices and creating a more inclusive and equitable society for present and future generations. ANTaR QLD is actively working to promote the Voice to Parliament, advocating for the recognition and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres voices in decision-making processes. We organise and support community yarning circles to engage in conversations about the Voice to Parliament and its significance. For more detailed information, please visit our Facebook page for updates or become a member of ANTaR Qld and receive our Newletter.
Coming events related to the Voice to Parliament
Useful resources about the Voice
- A must see short documentary video on Vimeo by Blackfella Films: Uluru Statement from the Heart Background
- ANTaR National Site: https://antar.org.au/issues/voice/
- YES 23 campaign: https://yes23.com.au
- Garma Festival Welcome Speech by Mr Djawa Yunupingu. A Rich and powerful speech, on YouTube https://youtu.be/nZla4nLvm1g
- Noel Pearson speech on Voice to Parliament, Garma Festival Aug 2023 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xVh5IGo_Nk4
- Official Government Website: https://voice.gov.au/
- Reconciliation Australia: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation/support-a-voice-to-parliament/
- The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/19/what-is-the-indigenous-voice-to-parliament-referendum-question-wording-vote-australia-constitution-change-details-how-would-it-work-what-does-it-mean-explainer
- Plain Text: The Uluru Statement from the Heart – Text only
- Study Guide: https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Study-Guide-Final-Uluru-Statement-From-the-Heart.pdf
- A GUIDE TO CHANGING THE STORY ON SELF-DETERMINATION A really good site https://passingthemessagestick.org/