On 14 October 2023, all Australians will be asked to vote in a referendum that seeks to enshrine in the constitution an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. This is a momentous occasion, and one that will have significant consequences, whether it passes or not. This is particularly true for the people about whom the referendum will be held – First Nations Peoples of this continent.
The proposed Voice to Parliament and the rhetoric surrounding it presents us with an incredibly complex and nuanced opportunity. As the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Equity Officers, we strongly believe that it is our role to provide support to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students no matter which way they choose to vote. If you’re Mob and you want to yarn, please reach out – this is not an easy time for many of us.
We also feel that the dissemination of balanced and accurate information is crucial as we head toward the referendum, and we are pleased to share with you a resource pack created by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) about the referendum: download resources from AHRC.
Lindsay & Amy
indigenous@supra.usyd.edu.au
SUPRA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network
Read also: The Voice to Parliament and the Constitution, where we attempt to unpack the racist sections of the Constitution and hopefully demystify it, with the aim that people can make more informed decisions at the upcoming referendum.
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