The Voice – Be ready for the conversation

At this time of national reflection on the Voice to Parliament Referendum, the Country Arts SA Board and First Nations Advisory Committee acknowledges and accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Uluru Statement is a call for change. Based on three fundamental principles, Voice, Treaty, Truth, it reflects the deep-rooted desire for self-determination, recognition, and healing held by First Nations people.

Unfortunately, in 2023 Australia’s First Nations peoples are still profoundly impacted by the injustices of the past.

We acknowledge the importance of walking together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and all other community members, to strengthen respect, relationships, opportunities and share a sense of belonging.

We respect the diversity of views around the referendum proposal, including among First Nations people. We encourage everyone to do their own research on the referendum proposal and make an informed choice that reflects your values and concerns.

At Country Arts SA, we believe in placing First Nations First to celebrate and strengthen First Nations’ living arts and cultures.

We reaffirm our commitment to walk with First Nations people towards a more just and equitable future for all Australians.

For more information:

Uluru Statement from the Heart (Uluru Dialogue)
Uluru Statement from the Heart text and previous dialogues and consultations; advocacy and education resources.

Conducting the Referendum
Official Australian Electoral Commission information on enrolling to vote, conduct of the referendum and the authorised Yes and No cases.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
Australian Government official website on the proposed amendment to establish the Voice offering various official resources on the referendum, including community toolkit resources (posters, infographics, fact sheets, social media) in English and community languages. First Nations resources, including First Nations language content (audio, video)

10 questions about the Voice to Parliament – answered by the experts
A group of three non-Indigenous and Indigenous academics provide answers to ten key questions arising in the Voice debate, where the answers are often confused and distorted by misinformation.

How to have informed and respectful conversations about Indigenous issues like the Voice
The referendum is a national event, which requires conversations with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Australia. These conversations should bear in mind Indigenous people will be impacted the most by the referendum and the debate around it. Yet, effective national engagement on the Voice also requires non-Indigenous people to see this as important to their lives.