Together, we can build a more united and stronger country by recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s constitution.
Do you believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders should be recognised in the 122 year old constitution?
Do you believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be listened to on issues that affect them and their families?
Will you vote Yes?
Sign the pledge to support an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice To Parliament:
So far 9,053 have signed, will you help make it 10,000?
Will you commit to supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice To Parliament?
Nurses and Midwives for Voice
As Australia is being asked to consider a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association is formally supporting this important initiative.
Why is the NSWNMA backing the Voice to Parliament?
In 2018, NSWNMA delegates at Committee of Delegates passed a resolution in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart:
That this Committee of Delegates recognises that as a health union the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association has a special responsibility to support measures that contribute to improved health outcomes and progress reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples. The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association reaffirms its commitment to closing the gap in health and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. We recognise that this will require a multifaceted approach and that self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be fundamental. Therefore, this Committee of Delegates supports implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart as another step forward on the path to Reconciliation.
In acting on the democratic decision of members, the NSWNMA is supporting the proposal to establish an Indigenous Voice that is enshrined in the Constitution.
As a trade union, we firmly support issues of social justice and take an active role in promoting and supporting positive outcomes for all communities.
We believe Australia’s original custodians deserve greater representation at the highest level, particularly when it comes to the decision-making processes that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Our history is rich and unique and begins with more than 65,000 years of continuous cultural connection to our land.
The land now known as Australia has been home to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for tens of thousands of years.
Yet our 122-year-old constitution still doesn’t recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The constitutional should recognise the right to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be listened to by Politicians on issues that affect them – a Voice to Parliament.
It’s time we open our nation’s next chapter by voting ‘yes’ at the referendum.
A Yes vote will be a powerful and unifying moment for our country. But it will take all of us having conversations with our friends, family and colleagues to make it a reality. Are you in? If so, read on
What can you do?
01.
Speak to your friends and family
This historic change will not come easily, but each one of us has the potential to make a huge difference in the campaign. There’s nothing more persuasive than a conversation with someone you know, so we need you to start the conversation with your families, friends and colleagues.
02.
Volunteer
Street stalls, phone banks, letterboxing and signs – there are endless opportunities to be part of the campaign as a volunteer
03.
Donate
Every dollar helps us to fund the campaign and essential training and education.
![NSWNMA Voice HTV draft2 (1)[9]](https://yes.ausunions.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NSWNMA-Voice-HTV-draft2-19.jpg)
Advice, experience and wisdom from Aboriginal communities leads to better policy outcomes. People on the ground know their issues best and having a Voice will deliver practical change.Shaye Candish, NSWNMA General Secretary
Show your support
Unions For Yes Merchandise
This referendum will be a powerful moment, not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but for the whole country. When we start listening to each other, the Country will be strongerLara Watson – ACTU Indigenous Officer
