Ausdance VIC honours the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and supports the call for Voice, Truth and Treaty in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
For too long, Indigenous Australians have suffered from structural disadvantage in life expectancy, employment, education, the legal system, access to housing, income, health and general welfare.
As a nation, we must do better.
The question Australians will be asked in the referendum is a simple one: “Should our federal government listen to Indigenous Australians and seek their advice on issues that affect their quality of life?”.
The Voice to Parliament is an opportunity for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people to have a say on decisions that impact them.
While it won’t solve everything, it is a step towards positive change and greater inclusiveness.
Saying “YES” shows that, as a nation, we truly believe in equality of opportunity, access, and outcomes.
And that is why Ausdance VIC staff and board support YES.
If you don’t know…find out!
We believe the Voice to Parliament is not a radical idea, it is simply the right thing to do.
No matter on which side you stand, we urge everyone in the dance community to make an informed decision on October 14 2023.
Here are some resources we recommend:
About the Voice – Australian Government website, includes links to the Voice Principles and Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission – a detailed explainer on the purpose, process, and history of The Voice referendum.
Take Care
And finally, we wish to acknowledge how difficult this time may be for our First Nations community. We encourage everyone to consider their cultural safety and how conversations may take a toll on their wellbeing.
Common Ground have some suggestions for how allies can show up for First Nations people in the lead up to the referendum.
Let’s look after one another!