Voice to Parliament and Uluru Statement from the Heart
A Federal Government referendum on a Voice to Parliament for First Nations people was held on Saturday 14 October 2023.
The Voice to Parliament aimed to create a constitutionally protected body of First Nations people to advise the Australian Parliament and government on laws and policies as they are being developed. This is one step identified in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Statement about the Voice to Parliament
We know that many people will be hurting and reflecting on the Voice to Parliament referendum results.
While we recognise the outcome of the referendum, we take heart that Hobsons Bay, and the Gellibrand electorate, returned a yes vote.
Council is committed to reconciliation and to recognising First Nations people. We will keep walking the path of reconciliation, recognition, treaty and truth telling with First Nations people in Hobsons Bay (on Bunurong Land), with our sister city in Yarrabah, and with all First Nations people.
As a community we ask you to please act with compassion and care during this time. If you need support, call Lifeline (13 11 14). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76).
Council's position
Hobsons Bay City Council voted at its meeting on 20 June 2023 to support the Yes vote, and to promote information and resources to help the community become informed about the Voice.
Below is a message from the Mayor Ross Andrews of Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council about the Voice to Parliament. Yarrabah is a sister city of Hobsons Bay.
Voices for the Voice
During September 2023 we proudly hosted a number of community events to support the Voice to Parliament referendum. Our gratitude to Yarrabah Mayor Ross Andrews, constitutional law expert Eddie Synot, referendum educator Dr Heather Wearne, and Yorta Yorta man and former Western Region Football League president Ian Hamm for joining for the Voices for the Voice community forum.
About the Uluru Statement From The Heart
In May 2017, over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates met at Uluru (Mutitjulu) in the Northern Territory and put their signatures to the Uluru Statement From The Heart.
The Uluru Statement From The Heart proposes key reforms including the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty-making and truth-telling.
In line with our responsibility to uphold human rights and our commitment to creating an inclusive, empowered and visionary community, Council encourages residents to learn more about the history and the issues involved through reading about the processes and outcomes of the Uluru Statement. Learn more about the Uluru Statement