Human Rights Law Centre supports Yes

The Human Rights Law Centre supports all elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart – the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution, Treaty and Truth-telling.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People know what is best to achieve justice and self-determination. First Peoples have always had the solutions to end the systemic violations of their rights and the knowledge to build and maintain strong communities. The establishment of a First Nations Voice has the potential to allow for First Nations voices to be elevated and heard.

As we work towards enshrining a constitutional Voice to Parliament, Treaty and Truth-telling processes should also be progressed across the country. The Human Rights Law Centre also remains committed to supporting the daily and ongoing work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities towards reimagined legal systems that are free of racial injustice.

This referendum could be a pivotal moment in the history of colonial Australia. The Human Rights Law Centre believes the Voice is a step towards breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people advancing rights, sovereignty and self-determination.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ sovereignty is inherent and self-existent. International human rights law also recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' right to self-determination. This right sits alongside and is inseparable from the full range of other fundamental rights including equality and non-discrimination. It is time Australian laws and policies caught up.

We recognise there are differing and valid perspectives in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on how to achieve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice and self-determination.

We encourage listening to as many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' perspectives as possible to be informed on the Voice. We respect the range of opinions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, organisations and communities and have reached this position after careful consideration.  

It is our view that the Voice to Parliament is but one step towards correcting one of the historical legal injustices of colonisation in Australia. For this reason, we support the proposed constitutional amendment as a step towards self-determination.