Support for the Voice to Parliament Referendum
The approaching referendum in October is a historic opportunity for Australian people to change the Constitution and put the nation on a pathway towards a better collective future. As proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart six years ago, the referendum is a yes or no vote, seeking to establish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution through the enshrinement of a Voice to Parliament.
Voting yes gives First Nations peoples the opportunity to take their rightful seat at the table when decisions are being made about their lives.
We believe that ensuring a Voice to Parliament is necessary in reducing inequality and improving mental health, and social and emotional wellbeing for First Nations peoples.
The Brain and Mind Centre plays a significant role in its commitment to a stronger partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community, as part of the One Sydney, One People Indigenous Strategy of the University.
Our key initiatives, programs and services in collaboration with First Nation groups include; Thrive by Five in partnership with the Minderoo Foundation, Right Care, First Time Program-in partnership with the BHP Foundation, headspace Camperdown, and a combined service with the Department of Neurology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to assess neurological patients with the Aboriginal Health Service.
The Brain and Mind Centre is proud to support the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. We urge Australians to engage in informed, truthful, and respectful dialogue and to understand the pertinence this discussion holds in Australia’s history. How we respond will have a lasting impact on the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.