NSWNMA backs the Voice

The NSWNMA supports a ‘Yes’ vote in the forthcoming referendum to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

In 2023, Australians will be asked whether they support a change to the Constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The Voice will advise parliament and government on laws and policies affecting Indigenous people.

The Association supports a ‘Yes’ vote to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say in matters that affect their lives and communities.

This will contribute to better health outcomes, the NSWNMA believes.

The NSWNMA Committee of Delegates resolved in 2018 to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which called for constitutional recognition.

The Committee of Delegates resolution said that as a health union, the NSWNMA “has a special responsibility to support measures that contribute to improved health outcomes and progress reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples.”

It added, “The NSWNMA reaffirms its commitment to closing the gap in health and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.

“We recognise that this will require a multifaceted approach and that selfdetermination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be fundamental.

“Therefore, this Committee of Delegates supports implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart as another step forward on the path to reconciliation.”

NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said, “We believe Australia’s original custodians deserve greater representation at the highest level, particularly when it comes to the decision-making processes that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”

“Advice, experience and wisdom from Aboriginal communities leads to better policy outcomes. People on the ground know their issues best and having a Voice will deliver practical change.”

Referendum Is A Simple Change To The Constitution

The referendum is about making a simple change to the Constitution. Parliament will decide on the model of the Voice and other details after the referendum.

Members of the Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, not appointed by the government.

Members will serve on the Voice for a fixed period, to strengthen accountability to their communities. The proposed addition to the Constitution reads:

“In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of Australia: There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to Parliament and the Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The Parliament shall, subject to the Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.” n