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Humane Society International (HSI) Australia accepts the generous invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, for all Australians to walk together for a better future.
As such, we support the call for a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution.
HSI is working to build a world where people treat animals and nature with respect and compassion. We believe that genuine engagement with First Nations Peoples is needed if we are to effectively protect nature in Australia. Learning from the knowledge generated from 65,000 years of continuous connection to country can only lead to better outcomes for animals and the places they call home.
We are committed to listening and learning from First Nations peoples and supporting First Nations-led advocacy and campaigns to protect and restore our precious land and waters.
The Voice is an important step towards improving First Nations recognition and representation. It will be a body of Indigenous representatives that will consult with Indigenous peoples about the laws and policies that affect them and pass those views on to the federal government and the parliament of the day for consideration. It does not have the power to make laws, rather simply provide advice.
The referendum is an opportunity for Australia to unite as a nation to respect, value and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and cultures. A ‘yes’ vote will be a foundational step to transformative change for our society—increasing momentum for working together on a wide range of issues, including animal protection.
We encourage people to take this opportunity to engage with and reflect on the considered information that is available on this important issue in helping you decide which way you will vote. We hope that you will join us to vote ‘yes’ on October 14.
If you’d like to learn about the upcoming referendum further, please check out these resources:
