The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre support for the Voice to Parliament

It is a privilege to be working on the lands of First Nations Peoples and traditional custodians of the land and waterways across Barwon – the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation; the Gulidjan and Gadubanud people of the Eastern Maar Nation; the Wotjobaluk, Wergaia, Jupagalk, Jaadwa and Jadawadjali people across the Wimmera; and the Gunditjmara people of the Eastern Maar nation in the South West.

We believe that all people have the right to live their lives free from violence and be treated with respect and access equality.

We stand in solidarity with First Nations peoples and support the call for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart asks all Australians to walk together, and voice is one element of this. We strongly believe altering the Constitution to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice is a vital step towards reconciliation, justice and better outcomes for First Nations peoples. The referendum is an opportunity to acknowledge our past and present, and create a future fair for all.

We believe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a right to have a say on matters that affect their lives. We believe a yes vote will allow stronger consultation with First Nations people. It’s about recognition and respect.

Everything that happens in this country happens on unceded Aboriginal land. This includes the work we do across the community to respond and prevent sexual and family violence.

No matter the outcome of this referendum, we will continue our deep commitment to listening to, standing with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their efforts towards justice, equality and control of their own lives and futures.