The Voice to Parliament

In late 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body. It would give advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

(Source – thevoice.gov.au).

UNE’s Position

In 2017, the Uluru Statement from the Heart called for “the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution”. That call follows nearly a century of Indigenous calls for political, legal and constitutional recognition. A proposed Constitutional Alteration to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, now being considered by the national Parliament, is expected to be put to the people of Australia later in 2023.

Taking account of UNE’s history, mission and vision, the Academic Board, Executive and Council of UNE affirm their support for the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

In doing so, the Academic Board, Executive and Council acknowledge that differing views exist within the University community. They affirm freedom of speech and academic freedom as core UNE values and supports freedom of speech, academic freedom and free intellectual inquiry on this topic as on others. They will continue to support informed public debate on these topics.

Resources for more information on the Voice

• Recognition through a Voice
• Interactive Digital Learning Platform at ulurustatement.org
• Text of the Uluru Statement from the Heart
• First Nations Referendum Working Group
• First Nations Referendum Engagement Group
• Constitutional Expert Group
• 2018 Joint Select Committee Report
• Final Report of the Referendum Council
• Professor Megan Davis on the Uluru Statement from the Heart
• Solicitor-General’s Opinion (attached to the Attorney-General’s submission to the Joint Select Committee)
• Advisory Report of the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum
• Government Response
• Voice Facts - University of Melbourne
• UNE's Reconciliation Action Plan

Support for staff and students

UNE remains committed to safeguarding and supporting the wellbeing and safety of students and staff, by fostering respectful debate and diversity of viewpoint.

Benestar

If staff need support please refer to UNE’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, Benestar.

Benestar has a dedicated line and a team of clinicians who either identify as or have an in-depth cultural awareness and experiences in supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Phone 1800 816 152 to access the confidential Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Line.

13YARN

13YARN is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support who can provide support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.To get in touch, call 13YARN (13 92 76) or visit the 13YARN webpage for more information.

Wellness Centre

For UNE students, head to the UNE Wellness Centre for access to support services.