Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are rich in knowledge, passing stories from generation to generation. They hold a unique place in our nation’s story.
The next step in this story is to make sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have more of a say on the laws, policies and services that impact their lives.
An Indigenous Voice could provide a mechanism for Indigenous Australians in communities around the country to have a say on how to improve their lives.
This would result in real changes on the ground and create a shared responsibility where Indigenous Australians can work in partnership with governments.
An Indigenous Voice could:
• provide advice and input on decisions, laws, policies, programs and services that are important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• be made up of two parts – Local and Regional Voices and a National Voice.
Local and Regional Voices and the National Voice could work together to share information, consult and provide advice.
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Local and Regional Voice proposal
Would be a community designed and led governance structure at a regional level.
FIND OUT MORENational Voice Proposal
Would be a national body made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
FIND OUT MORENATIONAL VOICE DISABILITY ADVISORY GROUP
In 2015, nearly one in four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were living with a disability for at least six months. Of these people, nearly a third were living with severe or profound disability at the time.
Because of this, the proposed National Voice would have a permanent Disability Advisory Group made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with lived experience of disability.
This group would give advice to the National Voice on how laws and policies impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
The Disability Advisory Group would also bring issues to the attention of the National Voice.
In 2016-2017, over 1200 First Nations people participated in the first ever Indigenous designed and led deliberative process asking First Nations what meaningful constitutional recognition to them.
This historic process culminated in the adoption of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in May 2017, which makes clear there is one proposal for recognition that has consensus support: the constitutional enshrinement of a First Nations Voice.
In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future. Uluru Statement from the Heart, 26 May 2017.
First Peoples Disability Network (Australia) accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution.
Find out more and how you can support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Find out more about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament
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