Faith based charities unite to support The Voice

Leaders from the six leading faith-based social services charities are urging support of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament to be embedded in the Constitution, as originally proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

In a co-signed open letter to Federal Parliament, The Salvation Army, Anglicare Australia, Baptist Care Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society and UnitingCare Australia urge the implementation of a Voice to Parliament in our Constitution which will give Indigenous communities a means to inform policy and legal decisions that impact their lives. It will also recognise and value the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s history.

The letter coincides with a Day of Engagement in Canberra on the issue, which includes meetings with MPs at Parliament House from 8am on Thursday, March 23.

The concept of a Voice to Parliament was presented to the nation five years ago on 26 May 2017, by delegates to the First Nations. The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for:

“... the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling about our history.”

Further to the letter, leaders of the providers mentioned said the following:

P. Toby oConnor, Chief Executive Officer, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia Inc

“An Indigenous Voice to Parliament will give Aboriginal Australians a voice in matters that affect them. The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and is committed to walking with them to work towards recognition, reconciliation, and justice.”

Stuart Glover, Secretary for Mission, The Salvation Army Australia

“An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament represents both a powerfully symbolic and deeply practical step toward addressing the disadvantage and injustice experienced by First Nations people in Australia. A Voice will allow those in parliament to hear directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It will lead to better laws, better policy making and better outcomes.”