Upcoming Referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

Nexus Primary Health encourages our staff, volunteers, and our community to take time to learn and understand what a referendum is and understand the question that will be put to the Australian people in the 2023 referendum, so each of us can make an informed decision.

The referendum will ask Australians to determine whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are able to provide advice to the Parliament on policies and projects that impact their lives.

Nexus encourages all to be informed by considering the Australian Electoral Commission referendum booklet and the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the three elements it collectively calls for - a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution, a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement making, and a national process of truth telling. We believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are best placed to advise on and help shape the programs and policies that will help their communities to overcome the systemic disparities and disadvantage.

Like many other Australian organisations, Nexus is taking conscious and active steps to evolve. Our Reconciliation Action Plan will be launched later this year, providing a framework to ensure we are being inclusive in our service provision and contributing to national reconciliation.

As a neutral Community Health organisation, we ask you to reflect and consider the Uluru Statement from the Heart in the upcoming referendum.

https://voice.gov.au/