Category: First Nations

The Voice referendum will take place on 14 October, when Australians will vote yes or no to establishing a First Nations Voice in the Constitution. 

There are many opinions being shared about The Voice in the media, including misinformation intended to scare and divide us. 

As an ally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, you may be feeling confused about how to vote. 

This is an important and historic decision, and one that will be made by the non-First Nations majority on behalf of First Nations Peoples – just 3% of the Australian population. 

Now more than ever, First Nations Peoples need their allies to be educated and informed, putting the best interests of First Nations communities first. But what vote is in the best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples? 

We offer some advice for allies here. 

 

Listen to First Nations Voices 

The media is a minefield of strong opinions and feelings around The Voice, and unfortunately, many conversations aren’t considering the very people this referendum impacts the most. 

It’s of critical importance to put First Nations voices and perspectives first when it comes to The Voice and all First Nations issues. 

Consider First Nations experiences by seeking these conversations in your local communities and via credible First Nations resources, such as this Voice video explainer by Aboriginal executives who advise on First Nations issues. 

It’s also important to take a step back and allow First Nations Peoples to speak for themselves. Being a genuine ally means amplifying First Nations voices, believing their experiences, and not assuming where they stand on The Voice. 

Everyone has their own opinions, including First Nations individuals, and it’s unrealistic to expect 100% of First Nations Peoples to support The Voice._However, an overwhelming majority do. 

97%_of the First Nations delegates at the Uluru National Convention supported a call for a constitutional Voice through The Uluru Statement from The Heart. 

And polls show over 80% of First Nations Australians are in favour of The Voice. 

We encourage you to prioritise First Nations voices when determining your vote, as we have done as an organisation. 

RAQ has listened to our First Nations staff members as they’ve generously shared their unique perspectives, leading us to a position in favour of a Voice to Parliament. 

 

Respect the Impact on First Nations Peoples 

While it’s important to seek First Nations Peoples’ perspectives, we also need to remember that it can be tiring for First Nations Peoples to constantly advocate for their communities. 

Being the subject of such strong political opinions may be stressful and traumatic for some First Nations Peoples, and repeating experiences and wisdom can be emotionally draining. 

It’s not First Nations Peoples’ responsibility to educate us; we need to take responsibility and do our own research into The Voice and this country’s True history. 

It’s already taken a lot of heavy lifting from First Nations Peoples, Elders, and Leaders to get The Voice conversation to this national level. 

Acknowledge the impact this journey may have had on some First Nations Peoples. Respect people’s boundaries if they don’t want to talk about The Voice. You might even like to check in with them and ask, “Are you in the headspace to talk about this?” before approaching the topic. 

And remember, just because someone identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, it doesn’t mean they have strong feelings on The Voice. 

We share more advice to be respectful of First Nations Peoples during The Voice debate in this blog post: Respect During the Referendum | Relationships Australia Qld (raq.org.au) 

 

Consider the Best Interests of First Nations Peoples 

As the Queensland Human Rights Commission has stated: 

“A Voice to Parliament is consistent with international human rights standards and would provide for better human rights protections by promoting equality and self-determination for First Nations Peoples.” 

RAQ has no political or religious allegiances and stands for the inclusion, equity, social justice, and human rights of all Queenslanders. We and our First Nations Workforce stand strongly in our support for The Voice to Parliament, and we see this not as a political issue, but as a human rights issue. 

We encourage allies – and all Australians – to consider the best interests and human rights of First Nations Peoples when determining their vote on 14 October. 

 

Support Services 

We understand this topic may raise difficult emotions for some people. Help is available. 

RAQ offers culturally safe counselling and support services for First Nations Peoples. You can call 1300 364 277 to make an appointment or get help finding the right support for you. 

For 24/7 crisis support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76 to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. 

No campaigners are spreading false information and half-truths to create confusion, fear, and division in the lead-up to the referendum. We explore more here: The Voice: Misinformation, Truth-Telling, and Healing Together. 

By CEO Natasha Rae

The Voice to Parliament has been approached with the standard debates and misinformation of most political issues. But in this case, a Voice is not a political issue – it’s a human rights issue.

A First Nations Voice wouldn’t stand to create division, empower one side of politics over another, or tilt the balance of democracy. It would stand as a nonpartisan body that represents the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – endorsed by Australia in 2009 – recognises that Indigenous Peoples should have the right to participate in decision-making in matters that would affect their rights. Equally, governments should consult with Indigenous Peoples before making laws that affect them. 

Australia has acknowledged the rights of First Nations Peoples in both domestic and international law for decades. These rights include the right to self-determination, representation and self-governance, participation in decisions that directly impact them, and freedom from racial discrimination. 

The Voice is an important tool for upholding these rights and improving outcomes for First Nations Peoples. 

For too long, laws and policies have been created without the consultation and agreement of First Nations Peoples, resulting in systems and structures that are harmful and ineffective. 

First Nations Peoples and their Elders and Leaders maintain resistance to oppression while unwilling to incur greater losses. They strive to maintain cultural integrity and find ways to work together to transform structures and mindsets to experience more than just survival. 

First Nations Peoples have contributed to the building blocks and history of our economic and social system. Yet, this same system has caused the vast majority of First Nations Peoples to remain outside of opportunities afforded to other Australians. 

The most essential role of laws is to serve the rights, safety, opportunities, and interests of those they apply to. Unfortunately, laws created without proper representation can so often do the opposite. 

Throughout Australian history, a lack of representation and input has contributed to many laws that have had devastating impacts on First Nations communities; impacts that have caused ongoing generational trauma and pain felt throughout First Nations communities today. 

A First Nations Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution is a crucial step toward addressing this harm for a fairer and more healing future. 

International guidance shows establishing representative systems to allow First Nations Peoples to advise on decisions that impact them is consistent with international law and international human rights standards. 

As the Prime Minister highlighted in a recent radio interview, Australia is the only colony or former colony on earth that doesn’t recognise our First Peoples in our founding document. 

A Voice to Parliament is our opportunity to do that after 122 years. 

RAQ stands firmly for the inclusion, equity, social justice, and human rights of all, regardless of age, race, culture, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We have no religious or political allegiances and respect the rights of everyone to live with dignity and safety. 

This is why we stand in favour of enshrining a Voice to Parliament – and why many other organisations who share our values also support The Voice, such as Lifeline and Multicultural Australia. 

The Queensland Human Rights Commission has also released a statement in support of establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament, saying: 

“A Voice to Parliament is consistent with international human rights standards, and would provide for better human rights protections by promoting equality and self-determination for First Nations people.”

Reconciliation Australia announced a union of 70 for-profit and not-for-profit organisations have shown their unified support for a “yes” vote in the Referendum, including some of the country’s biggest corporations.

The variety of organisations supporting The Voice to Parliament shows this transcends political perspectives. 

It’s a human right for First Nations Peoples to have a say in the matters that impact them. 

It’s crucial that we keep the best interests and rights of First Nations Peoples top of mind when determining our vote in the referendum on 14 October. 

And it’s crucial that we understand how a future without a First Nations Voice will continue to impact this country’s – and the world’s – oldest living culture. 

 

We understand this topic and related conversations may raise difficult emotions for some people. Help is available._ 

RAQ offers culturally safe_counselling_and support services for First Nations Peoples. You can call_1300 364 277_to make an appointment or get help finding the right support for you._ 

For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on_13 11 14, or_13YARN_on_13 92 76_to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. 

You can read the Statement from RAQ’s First Nations Employees on The Voice Referendum here.

By CEO Natasha Rae

A First Nations Voice to Parliament will not divide us. But the misinformation and fearmongering in the leadup to the referendum are. 

The proposed Voice to Parliament has sparked passionate discussions from both sides of the debate as Yes and No campaigners make their cases across the country. 

While it’s important to hear from a wide range of diverse voices and perspectives, the spreading of false information and half-truths can be harmful. This can be especially true when dealing with topics related to oppressed and vulnerable communities. 

It’s not uncommon for campaigners to spread misinformation to further their argument and agenda, but it’s particularly disappointing in the context of The Voice. 

A First Nations Voice to Parliament was born from The Uluru Statement from the Heart, which has three key objectives: 

• Voice to Parliament 
• Treaty 
• Truth-telling. 

Truth-telling. 

Truth-telling is one of the most important tools to educate non-First Nations Australians about First Nations issues. 

It requires us to shed our personal biases, open our hearts and minds, and engage in deep listening with First Nations Peoples about their experiences and historical Truths. 

These Truths can be uncomfortable and confronting, but they can also be surprising and affirming. And they’re critical for our understanding around The Voice and all First Nations issues.  

We as an organisation continue to engage in Truth-telling with our First Nations Workforce on a national and state level. We’ve listened as our First Nations employees have generously shared their perspectives and experiences, leading us to a position in favour of The Voice. 

“We see this as an opportunity for all Australians to be part of an intentional healing journey for our people and to unify our country.” 

 – Relationships Australia Qld First Nations Workforce 

We’re committed to embracing these voices and actioning this advice in real and tangible ways during the referendum and beyond. 

We all have a responsibility to be informed of the real Truth so we can engage in respectful and fact-based conversations around The Voice and related issues. 

Open and honest communication is the foundation of all healthy, respectful, and genuine relationships.  

Respect, integrity, and healthy, respectful relationships are key values at RAQ. Through our work, we support individuals, couples, and families to create safe spaces for talking and listening, even when they don’t agree. Especially when they don’t agree. This is core to healthy, respectful relationships and communities. 

“Healthy relationships have to have healthy communication,” says Relationships and Family Counsellor Valerie Holden. 

“That doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything – but it does mean we have to communicate with respect and understanding.” 

When we share misinformation online and in person, we contribute to the fear and anger surrounding the referendum, and we increase division among our communities. 

In June, the No campaign was accused of engaging in “post-truth politics” to divide Australians. 

“Its aim is to polarise people. And its weapon of choice is misinformation,” said Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney. 

Some No campaigners, including politicians, have incorrectly claimed that the Uluru Statement from the Heart is a 26-page document to imply Yes campaigners are hiding something. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agencies, Voice to Parliament advocates, and prime minister Anthony Albanese have described this conspiracy theory as “a misinformation campaign to avoid debating the facts.” 

We must be aware of the biases of our information sources and use critical thinking to inform our opinions and conversations leading up to the referendum. 

Several media outlets including RMIT ABC Fact Check, AAP Fact Check, and AFP Fact Check provide information on how to fact-check claims when engaging with sources. 

Throughout the referendum debate, we encourage everyone – regardless of their stance on The Voice – to approach this subject with compassion, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn the Truth. 

To thrive, relationships need deep listening with honest, respectful conversations. 

It’s time to listen and to put First Nations voices and Truth-telling at the heart of all conversations around The Voice. 

 

We understand this topic and related conversations may raise difficult emotions for some people. Help is available. 

RAQ offers culturally safe counselling and support services for First Nations Peoples. You can call 1300 364 277 to make an appointment or get help finding the right support for you. 

For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 13YARN on 13 92 76 to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. 

The Voice has been a popular topic in the media as we edge closer to the referendum, expected to take place later this year. 

Opinions and feelings are strong and varied, and we’ve heard from a diverse range of voices on both sides of the debate. 

But what exactly will a First Nations Voice to Parliament look like if successfully voted into the Australian Constitution? 

We unpack some key details of The Voice and important things to consider when determining your vote. 

However you intend to vote, the safety, wellbeing, and respect of our First Nations Peoples should be everyone’s priority during what may be an emotional and traumatic time._ 

We provide some practical ways to be sensitive to First Nations Peoples during The Voice referendum debate in this blog post. 

 

Where did this begin? 

While it may have become a popular point of discussion in recent months, The Voice is part of a reconciliation process that’s been unfolding for decades. 

First Nations Australians have called for a political voice in one form or another for almost 100 years. 

A formal call for a Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution came about_through The Uluru Statement From The Heart in 2017. 

This historic statement was formed by over 250 Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_Delegates_from across the nation after days of discussions at the First Nations’ National Constitutional Convention in 2017. 

The Uluru Statement From The Heart is addressed to the people of Australia with three key objectives: 

• Voice to Parliament 
• Treaty 
• Truth-telling. 

We encourage everyone to read The Uluru Statement From The Heart in full to learn more about the context of The Voice. 

 

What is the point of a First Nations Voice? 

If successfully voted into the Constitution with a majority of ‘Yes’ votes, The Voice will provide permanent representation and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Australian Constitution. 

It will be_a new body that represents First Nations Peoples throughout the country_to provide their input into federal government decisions, policies, and laws that impact their lives._ 

The Voice will act as an advisory body, but it won’t have powers to overrule parliament (known_as “veto” powers). 

Parliament and government would be obliged to consult The Voice on matters that overwhelmingly relate to First Nations Peoples, such as native title, employment, housing, the community development program, the NDIS, or heritage protection. 

The_First Nations Referendum Working Group_advising the government says the design of The Voice will be guided by_the following principles: 

• It will provide independent advice to parliament and government 
• It will be chosen by First Nations Peoples based on the wishes of local communities 
• It will be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities 
• It will be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful, culturally informed and gender-balanced, and will also include youth 
• It will be accountable and transparent. 

You can learn more about the design principles of The Voice here. 

The Australian Government has created an information booklet outlining more information on The Voice. You can download it here. 

 

Do all First Nations Peoples support this? 

Over 97% of the First Nations delegates at the Uluru National Convention supported a call for a constitutional Voice through The Uluru Statement of The Heart. 

Recent polls show 80% of First Nations Australians are in favour of The Voice. 

Everyone has their own unique perspective and opinions, including First Nations individuals, and we cannot assume anyone’s stance on The Voice. 

It’s important to listen to First Nations voices, respect their stories, and allow them to speak for themselves. 

RAQ has listened to our First Nations Workforce who have generously shared their knowledge and wisdom, leading us to an organisational position in favour of a Voice to Parliament. 

You can read our First Nations staff-led journey to ‘Yes’ here. 

 

How will voting work? 

Voting in the referendum is compulsory for all Australian citizens enrolled to vote. 

If you’re already enrolled to vote, you don’t need to enrol again to vote in a referendum. 

We’re still waiting for the referendum date to be announced, but it’s expected to take place between October and December 2023. 

Voting in the referendum will be similar to voting in a federal election.  

It’ll be held on a Saturday, and voters will need to attend polling places, where they will be marked off and then given a ballot form. 

Postal votes will be available in similar circumstances as those in an election, and there will be pre-polling booths for those wanting to vote early. 

The referendum question contained in the Bill is: 

A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration? 

The wording of the referendum question may go through further changes by parliament before the referendum date. 

Voters will only need to answer either “Yes” or “No” in response to the proposed question. 

The ABC offers a great resource on what to expect when voting in The Voice referendum here. 

 

Support Services 

We understand this topic and related conversations may raise difficult emotions for some people. Help is available. 

RAQ offers culturally safe counselling and support services for First Nations Peoples. You can call 1300 364 277 to make an appointment or get help finding the right support for you. 

For 24/7 crisis support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76 to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. 

RAQ recently announced that we stand in favour of enshrining a First Nations Voice to Parliament. 

We’re deeply grateful for the generosity of our First Nations staff who shared their diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives throughout our journey to Yes. 

Today, we want to share the First Nations-led process we undertook to develop an organisational position on The Voice to Parliament referendum. 

Take a journey with Aunty Debra Bennet, Lead Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Engagement & Cultural Advisor, as she describes the steps that led us to Yes. 

 

1. An Invitation 

Our first step was to create space for our First Nations staff to share their diverse opinions on The Voice. 

Relationships Australia National (RAN) CEO Nick Tebbey invited the Relationships Australia Indigenous Network (RAIN) executive team to develop a response to The Voice Referendum to Parliament. 

This would be an opportunity to platform Truth-telling and encourage deep listening among our non-First Nations staff. 

 

2. Building Blocks 

The RAIN executive team came together in May to discuss whether they were willing and able to develop a response considering the heightened media coverage and recognition of the mounting pressure on our respective local First Nations Community members and leaders. 

They discussed the level of misinformation and a need for greater access to resources to inform respective communities about the background to the Voice Referendum. 

Building capacity for individuals, families, and communities to feel safe, supported, and informed throughout this political process was of utmost importance considering the impacts on First Nations community members, including members of our respective workforces. 

 

3. Coming Together 

RAIN executive members consulted_respective First Nations Workforce members and held a face-to-face meeting in Adelaide with our national representatives to discuss a response to the national conversation to the Voice Referendum. 

Here, our First Nations staff from around the country were able to connect and share their voices. 

The RAIN executives presented a RAIN Statement on The Voice to the RAN CEOs for the first time. 

 

4. Listening and Learning 

The RAIN Statement provided an opportunity to connect and learn with open hearts and minds. 

RAN CEOs sat with all RAIN executive and representative staff, listening deeply to them as they shared their perspectives. RAN CEOs responded individually, and jointly accepted the statement.  

They each agreed to support the respective RAN First Nations Workforces to meet and discuss the RAIN Statement, and to consider their own position on this significant moment in Australian History.  

The RAN CEOs also agreed to respond effectively and sensitively to the RAIN Statement, reaffirming their commitment to prioritise cultural fitness throughout this journey and beyond. 

 

5. Truth-Telling 

Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ) Board and CEO, Natasha Rae, supported RAQ’s First Nations employees to attend a First Nations Workforce Gathering in Brisbane in June 2023.  

RAQ First Nations staff, alongside Community Leaders and QLD Voice Coordinator Campaign 2023, discussed their shared historical, individual, and diverse perspectives, national milestones, and precedents leading to the current national conversation. 

They drew upon parallels between their collective voice within RAQ and RAIN as a collective voice within RAN and developed an RAQ First Nations Workforce Voice to Parliament Referendum Statement. 

 

6. Walking Forward Together 

On day two of the Gathering, the members of the RAQ First Nations Workforce sat with RAQ CEO Natasha Rae, and Chair of RAQ Board Bill Owens, and reflected upon the journey they as First Nations community members have been on with mainstream Australia and as members of Relationships Australia Workforce. 

They delivered the RAQ First Nations Workforce statement on the Voice to Parliament Referendum to Natasha and Bill. 

Together, Natasha and Bill unreservedly supported the advice and guidance provided by RAIN and the RAQ First Nations Workforce, developing their own CEO and Chair Joint Statement on The Voice in response. 

They developed a public campaign to: 

• Further commit to safe and respectful workplaces and conversations for all First nations Workforce members and our colleagues 
• Provide all relevant resources for safe and respectful conversations with the entire RAQ workforce 

• Share the respective Statements on the Voice to Parliament_Referendum, including relevant resources for safe and respectful communities, through our digital platforms and allied networks. 

Natasha expressed her gratitude for our First Nations Workforce throughout this journey in the CEO and Chair Joint Statement: 

“We respect the toll it takes on First Nations Peoples to educate, advocate, and repeatedly share their wisdom. We express our deepest gratitude for the generosity of our First Nations staff members and communities throughout our collaborative journey to Yes. 

By elevating the voices of our First Nations Workforce, we can more accurately assess the history of this country and walk together on a journey to a more just and healing future.” 

You can read the Relationships Australia Qld organisational statement of support for enshrining a First Nations Voice to Parliament here.