With the Voice to Parliament referendum today announced for 14 October, the democratically elected ‘voice’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, has urged people to vote YES in the upcoming referendum.
Gunditjmara man and Assembly Co-Chair Rueben Berg said that the referendum was about making sure Aboriginal people can have a meaningful say on Aboriginal affairs and the vast majority of Aboriginal people support the YES vote.
“Aboriginal people are the experts on our own lives, we get far better outcomes when we are involved in creating the programs and policies that affect us. Voting YES is confirmation that you want First Peoples to thrive and for our unique connection to this country to be recognised, respected and celebrated.”
Rueben Berg
Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman and Assembly Co-Chair, Ngarra Murray, said winning the referendum and creating an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament would be an important step forward in advancing the rights of First Peoples across the country.
“Our people have been fighting for representation at a national level since the 1930s. Voting YES will ensure our peoples’ hopes, ideas and priorities can always be heard by the government of the day. Voting YES is a chance for everyone in Australia to show they are ready to create a better future together.”
Ngarra Murray
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