Disability Advocacy Network Australia affirms its support for the proposed First Peoples of Australia Voice as part of the 2023 referendum on proposed changes to Australia’s Constitution.
Establishing a Voice through an amendment to the Constitution is consistent with the invitation embodied in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to support fair and practical reforms that will enable First Peoples to fully participate in Australian society. It is also consistent with the idea that giving First Peoples a seat at the table and a right to participate in decision-making is crucial to achieving better outcomes for First Peoples.
DANA seeks to foster and support a disability advocacy sector that is inclusive of First Peoples’ diversity, culture, knowledge, and history.
DANA acknowledges that there will be a range of views among the Australian community about the Voice proposal, and that these different views should be respected. DANA members are encouraged to engage in respectful and informed discussions in the leadup to the Referendum. Members can access trusted information on the proposed Voice and the Referendum from the following sources: