At the August Council Meeting, Councillors voted in favour of allocating $18,000 towards supporting community-led discussions and information sharing in the lead up to referendum to be held later this year.
Acting Mayor Cr Helen Davidson said local councils have an important role to play in building awareness and education about the referendum including sharing information from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
"We want to provide culturally safe spaces for open discussions and information sharing."
"The key aim is to support the Merri-bek community to make their own informed choice when it comes time to vote. Community-led conversations and information sharing will include speakers reflecting a diversity of progressive views in the First Nations community."
In 2021 Council endorsed a Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. This included a commitment to supporting the Uluru Statement from the heart – that Merri-bek says yes to truth, treaty and a voice.
Council also acknowledges that there is a diversity of positions about The Voice across the community, particularly amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Learn more about the referendum process and how to enrol to vote:
- Referendum resources (Australian Electoral Commission)
- How a referendum works (Voice to Parliament website)
- Enrol to vote (Australian Electoral Commission)
- Check your enrolment (Australian Electoral Commission)
- Update your enrolment details (Australian Electoral Commission)
