Students supporting The Voice
The students of The Women’s College support the Yes vote in the upcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament Referendum on the 14th of October. This position arises from listening to our First Nations students at college, and our own aim to be inclusive and informed. We live on stolen land, and sovereignty was never ceded. Every day we benefit from the knowledge and wisdom of the Gadigal people, as they have been caretakers of this land for over 65,000 years.
The Voice will be a committee of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who will give independent advice to the Parliament and Government. The idea for the body stems from generations of injustice and Australia’s constitutional indifference. Voting Yes to the Voice means enhancing our nation’s democracy – by allowing First Nations people to bring their experiences and knowledge to Parliament on matters that directly affect them.
The idea has been designed and agreed on by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who are seeking recognition and better outcomes for Indigenous health, education and alike. It has been decades in the making and more than 80% of Indigenous people support the Voice. This is a very important time in our nation’s history. The Women’s College, as an institution, prioritises equity and mutual respect, in support of diverse and like-minded women. The college already has ties to The Settlement, has a student Reconciliation group and supports Indigenous scholarships. The Voice is a pathway towards unity, representation and inclusivity.
With only 3.2% of the entire population identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and those numbers being small within the college itself, we ourselves will not be enough to sway this vote so we need your help. Please continue to support the Indigenous students at college, we need to feel the support now more than ever.
Your vote affects First Nations students at The Women’s College. Supporting the Voice will be a step in showing recognition for our students who call The Women’s College home.
To learn more, visit www.yes23.com.au.