Maribyrnong council has shown its support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
In its meeting on Tuesday, September 12, council moved a motion to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart as part of council’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
Council also signalled support for an alteration to the Australian Constitution that establishes the principle of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
Councillor Simon Crawford said it is important to listen to First Nations people and follow their lead when it comes to Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander issues.
“We talk about how we consulted with First Nations people, well this is exactly what this is about. It’s about having that voice,“ he said.
Cr Crawford said while this is a federal matter, he said many community members have expressed their desire for council to support the yes vote.
“For me it is about leading our community in the direction that we feel the community wants to go,“ he said.
“People are more than welcome to vote however they like on the referendum, but this is particularly for those who aren’t sure or those who haven’t had a chance to make up their mind yet.
“I certainly hope that if this motion is successful, it will help them to understand that voting yes is a safe vote to make.
“There’s nothing we can lose from it, but there’s plenty that we could gain from it.”
Councillor Micheal Clarke said a yes vote would give a voice where historically there has been none.
“This has come from the First Nations people themselves,” he said.
“They’ve told us what they believe they need to have in place in the institution, so they can be heard.“
Council said it will provide opportunities to raise awareness and inform the community about the upcoming referendum. Councillor Anthony Tran said he hopes people do their research prior to voting.
“I do hope that many of you consider your vote and get heavy on your research, reading prior reports with reports from the Royal Commission in particular.”
