Raise Foundation accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk alongside First Nations Australians for a better future. We are an ally to First Nations people and embrace this once in a lifetime opportunity to support constitutional reform. In all that we do, we are guided by our strong values...
At Raise, we maintain our commitment to take and support meaningful steps towards recognition and reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Raise supported The Voice to Parliament as we believed it created a pathway for partnership, understanding and action. Raise Foundation will continue to listen and learn from First Nations people and is committed to being an ally in all that we do.
We are mindful that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who campaigned for The Voice to Parliament have called for a week of silence across the country to grieve and reflect.
This is a challenging and distressing time for many Australians, particularly for many First Nations people. We implore you to approach this time with reflection and compassion. If you need support, we encourage you to reach out to 13YARN (13 92 76) or Lifeline (13 11 14).
Raise Foundation 'A Voice to Parliament' Support Statement
Raise Foundation accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk alongside First Nations Australians for a better future. We are an ally to First Nations people and embrace this once in a lifetime opportunity to support constitutional reform.
In all that we do, we are guided by our strong values. Our mentoring programs strive to empower young people to raise their voices, build resilience and hope for the future. We're guided by young people – we’ve learned that the best way to create effective programs for young people is to actively listen to them.
First Nations people deserve to be heard. There is no greater example of resilience than the world’s oldest continuing living culture.
For too long, First Nations people have been excluded from decision-making that impacts their daily lives. A constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament enables First Nations people to help inform policy and legal decisions that affect their communities. It is fundamental to achieving better outcomes and building a fairer, more inclusive country.
Embedding a Voice in the Constitution also acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s special place in Australia’s history, and ensures successive Governments can’t reverse the decision[1].
Raise Foundation affirms our full-hearted support for:
- Amendment of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Constitution
- Establishment by legislation or letters patent of a Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of truth‐telling about our history as a path to reconciliation between First Nations and other Australians and to oversee the making of agreements between First Nations, Federal, State and Local governments
We will continue to listen and learn from First Nations Australians, committed to being an ally in all that we do.
In the months leading up to the referendum vote, Raise will create opportunities for our Raise Village to learn more about the Voice and its role in reconciliation. We encourage everyone to seek a better understanding of how we got to where we are today and why the Voice is crucial in building a fairer, more inclusive and hope-filled future.
KEY REFERENCES:
https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/view-the-statement/
https://ulurustatement.org/take-action/supporter-kit/
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation/support-a-voice-to-parliament/
https://www.thefrontproject.org.au/about-us/voice-to-parliament-statement-of-support
https://www.hollows.org/au/blog/how-your-business-can-support-the-uluru-statement
https://www.bsl.org.au/about/advocacy/supporting-a-voice-to-parliament/
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-social-justice/support-uluru-statement-heart
[1] Reconciliation Australia, viewed 7 August 2023 – https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation/support-a-voice-to-parliament/
