The Conservation Council of South Australia accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart
The Conservation Council of South Australia supports all elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart recognising, at this time, that the focus is on the First Nations Voice to Parliament, while not diminishing the need to begin work on negotiating Treaty and embracing Truth-telling.
The Conservation Council of South Australia members have voted to publicly support a YES position. We publicly declare our support for the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and for a Voice that will provide a powerful and effective mechanism for First Nations peoples to actively participate and advise on policies and laws which affect them.
Our support for the YES vote is based on the fundamental principle that laws and policies are more effective when those who are affected by them have a voice. We firmly believe in demanding substantive change rather than mere symbolism, and we view this referendum as a step in the right direction.
History has shown us that previous representative bodies for First Nations peoples have been dismantled by the commonwealth government of the day at will. By writing YES in the referendum, Australians everywhere can establish a permanent representative body that boldly advocates for the needs and aspirations of First Nations people.
As the peak body representing the environment movement in South Australia we know that First Nations communities are at the front line of climate impacts in this country. There is no climate justice without First Nations justice. By ensuring that First Nations communities are represented in shaping national policies, we can achieve better health, environment and climate outcomes.
The Conservation Council of SA will continue to seek guidance from key First Nations Elders, leaders and campaigners while sharing information about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and support for the YES campaign in the lead-up to the referendum. We acknowledge the diversity of views on this issue and encourage all our members and the broader community to engage in these important processes and thus be able to make an informed decision when voting in the upcoming Referendum on 14 of October 2023.
