"Australia’s First Nations have a long history of calling for the protection and recognition of their rights, especially for their representation and empowerment in decision-making and control of their own affairs. The time has come for Australia’s national Parliament to hear their calls for a representative voice in decision-making, the right to self-determination, treaty and for the truth to be told about First Nations and Australian history.
"Such a voice would go some way to ensuring that efforts to close the gap in standards of living between Indigenous people and the rest of the Australian community are directed in a way that acknowledges the rights and needs of First Nations people. It would be a first step to ensuring that Australian principles of justice and human rights extend to everyone, and that all Australians acknowledge the place of First Nations people in our history.
"The Public Education Foundation supports the creation of a Voice to Parliament that is enshrined in Australia’s constitution so that it cannot be dismantled by future Parliaments. This means that the model for the Voice must go to a referendum, and that, without delay, the Government of the day must follow this referendum with appropriate legislation.
"The model for the Voice must provide for representation of a wide range of First Nations people, city and regional dwellers, men and women, so that it cannot be controlled by one group and can provide advice across the range of matters relevant to First Nations people in Australia."
Signed
David Friedlander, Chair
David Hetherington, Executive Director
