AEGN statement
The AEGN says Yes to a Voice to Parliament
The Uluru Statement, the culmination of years of regional dialogues around the country, generously invited us all to walk together with First Nations people “in a movement of the Australian people for a better future”.
The Statement calls for a First Nations Voice to Parliament to be enshrined in the constitution. The referendum on the Voice will be held on 14 October 2023.
Voting Yes to the First Nations Voice is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to move forward as a nation towards greater equity, justice and unity and to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say about policies that affect them.
The AEGN responds to this invitation with a resounding YES!
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.
We acknowledge the pain and anguish the debate around the Voice is causing for First Nations communities. Our thoughts are with you.
We know that AEGN members and many in philanthropy are already supporting organisations campaigning for writing ‘Yes’ in the referendum and getting personally involved by volunteering their time and having conversations in their networks to shift hearts and minds. We commend you for your efforts.
We urge you to do all you can and to consider how you can continue your support beyond the referendum, which is one critical step towards a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have achieved justice and equity, and are fully empowered and recognised.
How philanthropy can get involved
Polling shows the Voice continues to receive overwhelming Indigenous support. Two polls from 2023 confirm that 80 per cent and 83 per cent of Indigenous people support the Voice, which is also backed by Indigenous peak bodies.
The philanthropic sector, too, is strongly supportive of the Voice and the yes campaign, including Philanthropy Australia and many foundations and donors, including AEGN members.
More broadly, the Voice to Parliament is supported by corporate Australia, including eight of the top ten ASX-listed firms, Business Council of Australia and Australian Institute of Company Directors, church and faith groups, unions, multicultural communities, community organisations and peak bodies of all the major sporting codes.
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 Yes vote and Uluru Statement in addition to your usual funding to avoid redirecting funding from other important ongoing programs.
There are many funding opportunities and you will want to do your own research but here are a few examples:
Get informed
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.
Countdown to referendum — 14 October 2023
The referendum on the Voice to Parliament will take place on 14 October 2023. As we approach the critical last weeks of the Yes campaign, it’s now or never for stepping up and getting involved. In addition to funding, you may like to:
- Volunteer for Yes23
- Volunteer for GetUp’s #WriteYes campaign
- Support your staff to volunteer during work hours (see ACOSS’ guidelines for an example policy)
- If relevant, advise grant partners that project timelines and reporting requirements can be amended to accommodate staff campaigning during work hours (Cass Goldie from ACOSS and Allies for Uluru advised that this would be helpful)
- Support First Nations staff impacted by the public debate, see NITV discussion and resources
- Share snippets from Larissa Baldwin-Roberts (CEO of GetUp!) and Millie Telford (First Nations Justice Director at Australian Progress, leading the First Nations Referendum Rapid Response Grants) on why writing “yes” matters
- Talk to your friends and family about why you’re writing ‘Yes’ — download the conversation guide (pdf) by Passing The Message Stick
- Download and share the ‘Write Yes’ digital communications kit where you can find shareable video messages from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders including Larissa Baldwin-Roberts and Semara Jose
‘Voice for community, culture, Country and climate’
Wednesday 27 September
1.00pm – 2.00pm AEST
AEGN member event (online)
Join Adrian Appo, Neane Carter and Ricky Archer for a discussion on why the Voice to Parliament is essential not only for equity, justice and unity but also for healthy Country and a safe climate. Please bring along any family members or others involved in your giving that are undecided.
