Vote “Yes” for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament
Later this year, Australians will vote on a change to the Constitution which will enshrine a Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
After over 65,000 years of continuous culture, it’s time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are recognised in our 122-year-old Constitution. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want recognition in a practical form of a say on issues and policies that impact their lives.
It’s an important change that will make Australia fairer and better – and the United Services Union is proud to be campaigning in support of a Yes vote.
Unions for YES
What is the Uluru Statement from the Heart?
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people from First Nations Australians.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for these changes:
- A Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution.
- A Makarrata Commission to supervise treaty-making and a process of truth-telling about our nation’s history.
Unions for YES
Why is this union business?
As unionists, we believe that all workers and all people deserve to be consulted about changes in the workplace and in society that affect us – and that by speaking up collectively we can make change that benefits us all.
The Voice to Parliament is a natural reflection of this principle of union values of consultation and collective voice. Enshrining a Voice to the constitution will enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to the Parliament on policies and projects that impact their lives.
So as unionists, we are proud to stand in solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters in demanding this change.
Unions for YES
Why we are supporting a YES vote
Recognition
We all need to support recognition, truth-telling and treaty so that we can build a better, stronger, united Australia.
A fair go
Whether your family has been here for five years, or 5000 generations we can walk together to create a fairer Australia.
Respect
Respecting diversity creates a society that includes everyone and excludes no one.
Unions for YES
Why do we need to vote?
Because the Australian constitution is the country’s governing document, a different process to make changes is required called a ‘referendum’.
A majority of citizens voting yes nation-wide, as well as a majority vote in a majority of states, is needed to change the constitution.
See the wording of the Voice referendum question you’ll be asked here
Be part of a fairer Australia.
As unionists, we believe that all workers and all people deserve to be consulted about changes in the workplace and in society that affect us – and that by speaking up collectively we can make change that benefits us all.
But right now, the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not heard in our parliament. Too often, politicians make policies that are not sensitive to the lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and do not work as intended – because the people impacted by those policies aren’t adequately consulted.
The Voice to Parliament is a natural reflection of this principle of union values of consultation and collective voice. Enshrining a Voice to the constitution will enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to the Parliament on policies and projects that impact their lives.
So as unionists, we are proud to stand in solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters in demanding this change.
Every Australian deserves a genuine voice in our parliament on the issues that affect us – no exceptions. Together we can create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities determine our own policy solutions and our own outcomes.
Above: General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM attending the Public Service International’s Committee meetings, and we’re proudly supporting #UnionsForYes
A better Future
What you can do to support a fairer Australia
ONE
Pledge your vote
Commit To Support an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice To Parliament here
TWO
Speak to your friends and family
Talk to your community about the importance of voting yes in the referendum.
THREE
Vote YES
Vote YES at the referendum to be held later this year
