A Voice to Parliament
There are many efforts underway to advance the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and these efforts are all important and can work alongside each other. The Coalition of Peaks supports these efforts and will strengthen these through our own mechanisms that advance self-determination for our people.
The work to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap will be strengthened by a more reconciled nation. As we embark on a historic referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution, we are seeking to address a historical wrong against our people.
The Voice is also about guaranteeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say in matters that impact on us, something that is at the heart of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the work of the Coalition of Peaks.
A Constitutionally enshrined Voice won’t negate the work governments are required to do under the National Agreement. Neither will the Voice change the necessary role of community-controlled peak bodies and organisations to deliver services and supports for our people, and to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the areas we have expertise. Alongside the National Agreement and the partnership between governments and the Coalition of Peaks, the Voice, Truth Telling, and Treaty will provide our nation with the complete roadmap to improve the life outcomes of our people.