Lowitja Institute calls on Australians to vote ‘Yes’ to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
Lowitja Institute puts its full support behind a constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and calls on Australians to vote ‘Yes’ in the upcoming referendum.
CEO, Adjunct Professor Janine Mohamed, highlighted the opportunity and responsibility that Australians have in exercising their right to vote in the upcoming referendum.
“This is a profound point in our peoples’ history and our shared story as Australians moving forward together. It is so important that we are acknowledged in Australia’s birth certificate.”
“In the 235 years since colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have had policies made about us – without us. This has had devastating impacts to our health outcomes,” Adjunct Professor Mohamed said.
“When we are not included in decision-making, when our voices are silenced, we are harmed. We see these policy failings in the tragic legacy of the Northern Territory intervention; in the appalling gap in health outcomes for our peoples.”
“This referendum is about recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ important place in Australia’s history and future. As First Peoples of this nation, we have been connected to these lands and waterways as traditional custodians for 60 millennia.”
“The Voice is about ensuring that our peoples have a say, and that our daily realities are factored into government decision-making,” she said.
“To non-Indigenous Australians who are considering how they’ll vote in this referendum, your decision is important. You have real power to make a difference in closing the gap.”
