Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity affirms its support for the Voice to Parliament

Tuesday 3 October 2023

The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) affirms its support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the proposed establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament (the Voice).

Through collaboration with Indigenous peoples, communities, and partners, and the remarkable work of the Fellows, AFSE believes that Indigenous peoples have a deep understanding of the intricate challenges faced by their communities. Furthermore, they hold the knowledge of sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions to not only these challenges, but to many of the challenges that societies around the world face today.

AFSE firmly believes that empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledging their participation in decision-making processes that directly impact their lives is not only a crucial step towards achieving social change and equity but also a unifying force for our nation. By recognising and valuing the lived experiences, perspectives, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples, we can foster a collective commitment to address historical and ongoing injustices and create lasting and significant change for Indigenous peoples and communities across the country.

We acknowledge that the Voice alone cannot fully redress the profound historical and ongoing injustices suffered by Indigenous peoples. Nevertheless, we view it as a key step on the path to treaty, truth-telling, and healing.

Further, AFSE recognises and respects the diversity of perspectives on this issue and wishes to make clear that this statement does not reflect the views of all AFSE Fellows and staff members.

AFSE hopes that the spirit of collective action and impact will inspire all Australians to embrace this opportunity to reshape our future for a better world – a place where we can all be heard.