In a powerful show of unity, Life Without Barriers has joined more than 70 organisations in a joint statement of support for the Voice to Parliament.
Image: Photo of people at the Day of Action event holding up 'Vote Yes' signs. Photo via Yes23 Facebook.
Claire Robbs, Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers, 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." Ms Robbs said.
"All we need to do is accept the generous invitation offered in the Uluru Statement from the Heart."
“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,” Ms Robbs said.
“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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in housing, employment, wellbeing, justice and child protection.
In partnership, Life Without Barriers recently launched a toolkit of freely available accessible resources about the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Voice to Parliament in Australia.
“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.”
Catherine Liddle, SNAICC - National Voice for Our Children Chief Executive, said Life Without Barriers' commitments set a precedent for other mainstream organisations working with Indigenous people.
"Closing the gap for our children requires genuine effort from governments and mainstream organisations to transform the way they work with us," Ms Liddle said.
"Life Without Barriers is to be congratulated for having the vision and courage to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations have the solutions and the expertise to know what works for our children and families."
Joint Statement
Voice Referendum, we support Yes.
As members of a network of 2,450 organisations with Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) impacting 4 million Australians each day, our RAP commitments demonstrate our unwavering support of a reconciled future for our nation.
We come from a diverse range of sectors and work in every state and territory across this continent. We have been on the journey of reconciliation for many years. Our organisations are stronger because we have listened to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Recognition and voice have been at the heart of the reconciliation movement for decades. Our organisations have accepted the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
We committed to the principles of voice, treaty, and truth well before 2023. That commitment remains strong and will endure.
Reconciliation is founded on respectful relationships. We urge all Australians to engage thoughtfully and respectfully as they educate themselves and others about this important opportunity.
Together, our organisations support a Voice to Parliament and a “yes” vote in the Referendum. We invite all Australians to join us as we take this step to make our nation a stronger, fairer, better place for all.
Find the list of 70 organisations linked in the full statement below.
