The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians for constitutional recognition of their continuous connection to this land in the form of a Voice to Parliament.

CPSU has for many years been a member of the ACTU’s First Nations Workers Alliance (FNWA).

The FNWA has continually worked on matters that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and have sought the support of the Union Movement to assist in campaigning for a YES vote in the upcoming national referendum.

The ACTU Congress in 2018 unanimously adopted a resolution to support and endorse the Voice from the Heart Statement in full.

The Federal Council of CPSU met in Hobart in November 2022 and resolved to support the campaign across our state public service associations.

CPSU Victoria surveyed our identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members in early 2023 to ask for their feedback and gain their views on the importance of the issue and to seek input into that campaign.

The Victorian Branch Council after receiving the report from our Victorian Secretary and the responses from our indigenous members supported a YES vote at the Voice Referendum.

Rachel Perkins Uluru Statement video

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this Video contains images of people no longer living.

Thomas Mayo Voice Video

Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the Assistant National Secretary of the MUA.

Member Voice Video

CPSU members from DEECA Stephen Walsh, and from FISHVic Thomas Goodyer, as well as Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart

Vote YES for a Voice Video

 CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary / Federal Secretary Karen Batt

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want recognition in a practical form of a say on issues and policies affecting their lives.

While we may not be to blame for past atrocities, we all have a responsibility to deal with the impacts now.

Around the world there are many countries that recognise Indigenous people in their constitution.

New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Canada, the United States, and Finland

This year, it will be Australia’s turn.

Presentation

Voting YES to enshrine a voice in the Constitution will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians a say on laws that will affect them.