knowmore legal service is committed to supporting and advocating for the rights and aspirations of Indigenous Australians. As an organisation dedicated to providing legal assistance and support to survivors of child abuse and members of the Stolen Generations, we recognise the importance of addressing systemic injustices and empowering marginalised communities, ensuring no voice is left unheard.
In light of the upcoming Voice to Parliament Referendum, knowmore reaffirms its commitment to the principles of self-determination, equality, and reconciliation. We firmly believe that First Nation Australians have the right to a meaningful voice and participation in the decisions that affect their lives and communities.
We acknowledge the past struggles and the impacts for a form of reconciliation towards recognition and a treaty, these being the Day of Mourning in 1936, the Yirkkala Bark Petition, the Barunga Statement and in modern times the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which is offering a pathway to Voice, Treaty and Truth, through the accumulation of 12 First Nations Regional Dialogues engaging over 1200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on questions of real and meaningful recognition in the Constitution.
This acknowledgement understands that this necessity of recognition in our nation’s forming document has been a continuous call by First Nations peoples throughout the generations.
Can we afford not to do this, given the preceding peak bodies of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation – inclusive of the National Aboriginal Conference in 1973, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission 1989 and the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples 1990 – all failed to secure the ongoing support of government, post a change in government? The enshrinement of a Voice in our constitution will require another referendum to abolish that body.
knowmore supports the Yes campaign for The Voice. knowmore is dedicated to supporting the goals and aspirations of Indigenous Australians in their pursuit of social justice and self- determination. We believe that the Voice to Parliament proposal has the potential to transform the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy. knowmore recognises that reconciliation is an ongoing process and acknowledges the need for continued efforts to address the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. By supporting the Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023, we seek to advance a more equitable and inclusive society, where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.
knowmore recognises and respects the rights of individuals who will vote in the upcoming referendum. While knowmore supports a Yes position, we respect the right of our people and partners to support a different position.
knowmore will actively engage with its staff and key stakeholders in raising awareness, providing accurate information, and facilitating open discussions about the Voice to Parliament proposal, to help foster a climate of informed discourse and thoughtful deliberation.
