Reconciliation WA joins peak reconciliation organisations across the country in support of The Voice to Parliament

Australia’s peak reconciliation organisations have reaffirmed their strong support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament.

Download or read the joint statement below:

Australian Reconciliation Network Statement

First Nations Voice Week of Action 18-24 February 2023

As peak reconciliation organisations across the country, we stand together to reaffirm our unwavering support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament.
Constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Peoples has long been called for as part of the reconciliation journey.

We stand firm in our belief that answering the calls in the Uluru Statement from the Heart is a critical step on our path to a reconciled nation. The Statement calls for a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament, and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about our history.

The Uluru Statement was generous in its invitation to the Australian people, and makes clear the reason reform of the Constitution is needed:

“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. We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.”

This year, we have the opportunity to make history, and answer that invitation at a referendum.

All around the country during the week of action and up to the referendum, people will be showing support for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament.

We encourage all Australians to show support and find out more during the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Week of Action, have conversations with friends and family, and show support as the Yes Campaign launches.

The Australian Reconciliation Network is comprised of peak reconciliation bodies from across the country at a national, state and territory level.

The National Reconciliation Week 2023 theme, Be a Voice for Generations calls on all Australians to act today to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. Generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, but more effort is needed now to create a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.