Joint statement of support for a First Nations Voice to Parliament

In a powerful show of unity, Life Without Barriers has joined more than 70 organisations in a joint statement of support for a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

The Statement has been signed by not-for-profits and commercial organisations all dedicated to reconciliation and advancing the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Life Without Barriers is a national community service organisation and has more than 13,000 employees and carers in its network. Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers, Claire Robbs said the statement is a strong sign of the volume of support for the Voice to Parliament.

“As we enter the final months towards the referendum, we encourage Australian voters to access information about the Voice and listen to the more than 80% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are asking us to vote Yes. All we need to do is accept the generous invitation offered in the Uluru Statement from the Heart." Ms Robbs said.

“Our organisation is more effective in the communities in which we work as a direct result of listening to and being guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,”

“We believe there must be a mechanism on a national level that facilitates formal consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on matters which impact them, their children, and communities.

“The Referendum will be a pivotal moment in our nation’s history and a Voice to Parliament will enable us to take greater strides towards closing the substantial gaps that continue to exist for First Nations peoples in housing, employment, wellbeing, justice and child protection." Ms Robbs said.

In partnership, Life Without Barriers recently launched a toolkit of freely available accessible resources about the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament in Australia. They can be accessed here.

“We will continue to partner with other organisations, agencies and community to share adapt accessible resources, so people are informed when they vote later this year.”