Statement by Chamber of Arts and Culture WA on the Voice Referendum

As the State-wide organisation for Arts and Culture in WA we strive for inclusivity and believe in a united Australia, which starts with a recognition of First Nations’ continued connection to lands, waters and communities.

On 26 May 2017 at the National First Nations Constitutional Convention at Uluru the delegates drafted and endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The statement calls for a constitutional First Nations Voice to Parliament, and a Makarrata commission to oversee a process of treaty-making and truth telling.

A referendum is to be held between October and December 2023 and the question to be put to the Australian people at the 2023 referendum will be:

“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 Chamber is grateful and humbled to be invited to walk together in respect, understanding and acknowledgement of traditions and cultures of First Nations people and we express our support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.

The referendum vote is a personal choice for Individual Australians. Our close partners, Reconciliation WA, offer information and yarning events and, together, we encourage everyone to be informed and use your vote.

On 27 May 1967 Australians voted to recognise the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the census. Fifty-six years (56) years later we have another opportunity to transform who we are as a Country.

Further Information

Uluru Statement have the most comprehensive resources around the actual process.

There is a Statement Supporter Kit here which provides a range of excellent tools for you to access

Reconciliation WA host monthly Uluru Statement Community Briefings – which have been scheduled right up until the referendum. They are free and accessible online and every second is offered as a hybrid.

Resources

The Uluru Statement has also been translated into multiple First Nations and over 60 International languages to ensure accessibility and you can register for a ‘Start a Yarn’ session.

The Yes campaign also has a range of good resources.