The Australian Education Union (AEU) has proudly endorsed the "Yes" case for a Voice to Parliament, published by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) ahead of the historic referendum on constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Russell Honnery, the Chair of Yalukit Yulendj (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee of the AEU) said that the cases, as laid out by the AEC, highlighted the many vital reasons Australians should be voting "Yes" in the upcoming referendum and underscored the importance of a Voice to Parliament.
"The "Yes" case outlines the many ways in which a Voice can improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, in all spheres of life, especially education.
"For far too long First Nations Australians have been left out of the decision-making process, including on matters that most directly impact them, and this has led to a shameful gap in life outcomes for Indigenous peoples. This must change.
"By ensuring that Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Australians have a Voice, and by allowing them to be consulted on matters of direct importance, we can help Close the Gap.
"There is absolutely no uncertainty that The Voice will make a concrete, material and positive difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, but it will also allow us to correct past wrongs and heal as a people.
"Australians from all walks of life will be given an opportunity to make history later this year. An opportunity to finally recognise the First People of these lands in our nation's constitution. An opportunity to take meaningful steps towards reconciliation. And most importantly, an opportunity to move forward together as a country. And we must take it," he said.
Correna Haythorpe, AEU Federal President said that the Union is working in consultation with Yalukit Yulendj to help build awareness around the "Yes" case and educate the community on the vital importance of an enshrined Voice to Parliament.
"The "Yes" case makes it abundantly clear that The Voice will serve an important, practical purpose and will help ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, who have been actively left out of the decision-making process, are finally able to have a say.
"The Voice will enable First Nations Australians to be consulted on matters that directly impact them and provide advice on how political decisions can best improve outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.
"This is particularly true for improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
"To ensure First Nations students across Australia's public schools have the opportunity to thrive and improve their educational experience by providing them with the support they need, we must ensure that public schools are fully funded. And these are the kinds of matters The Voice would be able to provide advice on.
"We have, and continue to live with a reality where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not consulted on matters that most directly impact them. We must work to change this.
"It is high time the First Peoples of these lands were recognised in our constitution and were given a voice on matters of critical importance.
"We are faced with a historic vote in the year ahead, and we must choose to be on the right side of history by voting "Yes", she said.
