To our valued members and supporters,
Australia is preparing to face an important moment in history.
We believe the Voice Referendum is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to genuine Reconciliation and lay foundations for a brighter future for First Nations people and the Nation.
As we approach the Voice Referendum, it’s hard to ignore just how divisive a debate of this nature can be. Hence, DCA would like to encourage you to join with us in supporting the Voice to Parliament.
Following extensive consultation, including with DCA’s expert Indigenous advisory panel, we believe embedding a Voice in the Constitution will recognise the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s history. It would also allow Indigenous communities a route to help inform policy and legal decisions that impact their lives.
We also know the current approach isn’t working. Recent Productivity Commission data shows conditions continue to worsen for Indigenous Australians.
We believe this referendum is an opportunity to take a step in the right direction.
A constitutionally enshrined Voice is a step toward addressing intergenerational and systemic disadvantage. This includes the active exclusion of First Nations people from the employment and labour markets that your organisation seeks to overcome.
If your organisation has a RAP, you will understand the benefits of listening to First Nations peoples firsthand.
Every Australian will be required to vote on this referendum question and your organisation has an opportunity to help ensure your people are equipped to confidently decide how they will vote.
DCA believes this is also an opportunity to strengthen your commitment to inclusion, diversity and reconciliation by showing leadership in your community.
As a first step, read our blog Three Things You Can Do to Support the Voice and see our Yes! Campaign Resource Hub.
We look forward to welcoming you at our Anna McPhee Memorial Oration on 30 August, where Aboriginal Elder and human rights campaigner, Professor Tom Calma AO will give a keynote on why the Voice referendum is so important.
Thank you for supporting DCA and the important work we do enabling Australian organisations to foster workplaces that are fair and supportive for everyone.
Kind regards,
Lisa Annese, Chief Executive Officer, Diversity Council Australia
Ming Long AM, Chair, Board of Directors, Diversity Council Australia
Kate Russell, Chair of DCA’s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander External Advisory Panel