This week DCA CEO Lisa Annese and Aboriginal Liaison Officer Simone Empacher Earl attended the launch of the Yes! campaign for a Voice to Parliament.
In 2019, DCA announced its support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which was the largest consensus of First Nations peoples on constitutional change. DCA also supports The Voice.
DCA is committed to principles of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In line with this commitment, DCA’s position has been guided by DCA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander External Advisory Panel.
As the campaign gathers steam and following our attendance at the launch of the Yes! campaign DCA will hold events. We provide resources and information to our members to assist them in actively participating in the Yes! campaign in the lead up to the referendum.
Quotes attributable to Lisa Annese, CEO, Diversity Council Australia
“DCA supports constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament because it is a fair and practical change that will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the chance to have a say direct to the Parliament on policies that impact their lives.
“Australia will be more prosperous as a nation when it is cohesive and inclusive. Making Australia more inclusive is the vision of DCA. Supporting Yes! for The Voice and encouraging our members to be active in the Yes! campaign is a way we can tangibly bring life to this vision.
“Our research shows that 3 out of 4 Australian workers support or strongly support their organisation taking action to create a workplace which is diverse and inclusive.
“Genuine inclusion must begin with reconciliation. There can be no genuine workplace inclusion while our First Nations Peoples are excluded from opportunities, and we as a nation do not address race relations, equality and equity, unity, institutional integrity, and historical acceptance by including First Nations People in the Constitution.
“DCA will hold events and discussions with members in the lead up to the referendum to build support for a Yes vote.”
Quotes attributable to Kate Russell, proud Awabakal woman, DCA Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander External Advisory Panel Chair, DCA Board Director
“Workplace inclusion requires listening, it requires consultation, it requires respect, it centres the voices of those who are marginalised and have lived experience. The Voice, at its simplest, looks to deliver the same, through our Constitution. This should be welcomed and celebrated.
“As the Australian people prepare for a referendum, Australian organisations have an important role to play educating and informing their employees and being a part of a history making moment of change.”
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Media Contact: media@dca.org.au.
About DCA: Diversity Council Australia is the independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We provide unique research, inspiring events and programs, curated resources and expert advice across all diversity dimensions to a community of over 1,100 member organisations. Our member organisations are estimated to employ nearly two million Australians, representing up to 20% of the workforce.