The Voice to Parliament
We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a critical step towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by supporting all three elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart: Voice, Treaty and Truth.
Supporting the Uluru Statement
The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for a First Nations Voice to Parliament to be enshrined in the constitution. A referendum on the Voice will be held by the end of this year.
The Federal Government has announced that it will not provide funding for referendum campaigns. The estimated cost of an effective “Yes” campaign for the Voice is $40 to $50 million, with philanthropy now rallying to support the Yes campaign.
For the AEGN, achieving justice for First Nations people in Australia goes hand-in-hand with achieving our vision of a future where people and nature thrive.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have managed their lands for tens of thousands of years to protect Country and culture. Today, First Nations people own and manage Country that covers more than half of Australia, representing some of the most diverse and intact landscapes on Earth. Cultural land management also plays a critical role in sequestering carbon and addressing climate change.
How philanthropy can get involved
Give philanthropic funding
Fund organisations working on the “Yes” vote and implementation of the Uluru Statement.
Members are encouraged to share organisations that they are funding via the AEGN Project Clearinghouse. You may wish to consider funding for the Uluru Statement in addition to your usual funding to avoid redirecting funding from other ongoing important programs.
There are many funding opportunities and you will want to do your own research but here are a few examples:
Inform yourself
Information sessions and useful websites
Find out more about the Uluru Statement by attending philanthropy information sessions or reading further, including these useful websites:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, Australian Government — the latest updates about the Voice to Parliament;
- Yes23 — information on the Voice to Parliament referendum and voting yes; and
- Reconciliation Australia — information regarding the Voice to Parliament.
Event recordings
- First Nations leaders working towards the Voice, hosted by Australian Communities Foundation
Featuring Dr Jackie Huggins AM, FAHA, Rachel Perkins, Larissa Baldwin-Roberts and more. Watch the event recording - Update on Voice to Parliament with Hon Linda Burney MP, hosted by Philanthropy Australia
Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians, provided an update on the referendum and was joined by Cobble Cobble woman Professor Megan Davis (Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous UNSW and a Professor of Law, UNSW Law) and Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman Rachel Perkins (Co-Chair, Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition) to discuss the role of philanthropy in the referendum. Watch the event recording
For the AEGN, achieving justice for First Nations people in Australia goes hand-in-hand with achieving our vision of a future where people and nature thrive.
Upcoming briefings and events
Take advantage of briefings on offer from AEGN members and partners on the Yes campaign and how you can get involved.
No events are currently scheduled.