UnitingSA has welcomed the announcement of the 2023 referendum by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Adelaide today.

Saturday, 14 October is the day all Australians will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to give First Nations peoples a real say in their future, UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall said.

“Securing a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament will give First Nations peoples a long overdue voice on issues that affect their lives,” Ms Hall said.

“We know the status quo isn’t working for First Peoples. We’re not closing the gap and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to be over-represented in our services.

“This is an opportunity to make meaningful change in our country, to get better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by ensuring they have a say in issues that directly affect them. It really is as simple as that.

“First Peoples need a Voice to make things better and to enable us all to walk together toward a brighter future for all Australians.”UnitingSA announced its support for the Yes campaign, and the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart as part of Reconciliation Week (27 May – June).

“We made the commitment to not only support the Voice, but to advocate for meaningful progress towards truth and treaty with First Nations peoples,” Ms Hall said.

UnitingSA is part of Australia’s largest community services network, UnitingCare Australia, whose many member organisations are also supporting the Yes campaign.

“The referendum offers a historic opportunity for us to acknowledge and honour First Nations peoples and walk together toward a more just Australia for all,” Ms Hall said.“Like the 1967 Referendum, when more than 90 per cent of Australians voted to change the constitution to allow First Nations Australians to be counted as part of the population, this is a call to all Australians to make the fair and just choice.

“This is our chance to change our nation for the better, to turn the tide.

“It’s time to listen to First Nations peoples to get better outcomes in health, housing and jobs and to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australia.”

 

For further information:

Gail Heritage – Media, Advocacy and Communications Lead

UnitingSA
0466 419 528
gheritage@unitingsa.com.au