Media Release: IAP2 Australasia announces support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Indigenous Voice to Parliament
2 June 2022
IAP2 Australasia announces support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Indigenous Voice to Parliament
IAP2 Australasia (IAP2A), the peak body for the community and stakeholder engagement sector, has adopted a resolution to ‘support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Indigenous Voice to Parliament’. The Voice is all about providing true engagement which aligns with IAP2’s core values that promotes participation and being heard for an inclusive and improved outcome.
While IAP2A does not usually advocate for a particular interest, party or project outcome, IAP2A has chosen to support the ‘Yes’ vote as it aligns with its core values and purpose that champions engagement which improves environmental, social and governance outcomes in a meaningful and tangible way.
The Voice to Parliament is consistent with IAP2A’s primary Core Value: ‘Public participation is based on the belief that those who are affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the decision making process’.
Engagement is about being inclusive and hearing the voices to shape the future. The Uluru Statement from the Heart has come from an engagement process led by our Indigenous Australians.
Tony Clark, IAP2 Australasia Chair, 2:16
The participatory process which has led to the Voice must be respected and acknowledged and IAP2A commends and celebrates the process of engagement which was genuine and authentic.
IAP2A acknowledges the Voice is a point of contention in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Engagement is a rich and robust process which allows and fosters independent thinking and the expression of alternate thoughts in any debate.
As the process turns to the wider Australian community to find their way past the political landscape and engage with the ‘for’ and ‘against’ views to inform themselves in the lead up to the referendum, IAP2A believes the environment of the referendum should be used as an opportunity for Truth Telling, and to build and strengthen relationships across the nation.
To contribute to authentic engagement on the debate, IAP2A will be sharing materials for members to educate themselves on the Voice referendum and will encourage them to deepen their engagement with their local First Nations communities.
Marion Short, CEO for IAP2A says ‘The upcoming debate for the Voice referendum is a landmark opportunity to engage, be heard and understand the issues for all to help their decision making. IAP2 Australasia calls upon all sectors of our government and community to participate respectfully and respect the importance of each and every one of our voices.’
Stay up-to-date on IAP2A’s Advocacy initiatives and Advocacy resources via IAP2A’s Advocacy page.