MSI Australia urges all Australians to vote ‘Yes’ to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be formally recognised in the constitution and have a say in the policies and decisions that affect their lives.
The Voice will be an independent, representative advisory body for First Nations peoples. It will provide a permanent means to advise the Australian Parliament and Government on the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on matters that affect them.
MSI Australia Managing Director Jamal Hakim said the Voice to Parliament proposal, aimed at establishing a constitutionally guaranteed advisory body to represent Indigenous Australians, is a crucial step in addressing historical injustices and promoting healing and reconciliation.
“The proposed Voice would allow Indigenous people to have a greater influence on policy-making, ensuring their voices are heard on matters that directly impact their communities, including sexual and reproductive health,” he said.
“We wholeheartedly support recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution and the Voice to Parliament, as it aligns with our commitment to promoting health equity and self-determination for all.
“We recognise the importance of empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to make decisions about their own health and well-being.
“It is important to actively engage in the reconciliation process, acknowledging the historical and ongoing marginalisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“We urge people to support the Voice to Parliament in the upcoming referendum.
“This is a critical moment for our nation to demonstrate our commitment to healing, justice, and true reconciliation.”
The referendum is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.
The Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023 to trigger the Voice referendum was introduced to parliament on 30 March 2023.
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For further information contact Anna Jabour on 0428 396 391.
MSI Australia is the only national not-for-profit provider of sexual and reproductive health services including permanent and long-acting reversible contraception and abortion care. For more information on our clinic network visit msiaustralia.org.au