Statement of Support for the Voice to the Australian Government

In 2017 the Uluru Statement from the Heart was created as an invitation from First Nations people of Australia to non-Indigenous Australians to walk together for a better future.

We have listened with deep respect to what our First Nations sisters and brothers have asked in The Voice and support them at the Referendum. Our founder Frederic Ozanam learned through his work alleviating poverty and social disadvantage, that he could help those on the margins of society much more effectively by listening and understanding their journey. This ethos is still applied in our work today as we walk with those we serve, until they are in a place where they no longer need our help. We believe that any policy or legislative decision will achieve better outcomes if government listens directly to those affected by those decisions.

The Society is taking this position as we feel it is consistent with our values of advocacy, respect and compassion, but we also acknowledge there are strong feelings in the community both for and against this proposal. As an individual you are not responsible for the Society’s position on the Voice, our statement is one as an organisation and reflects the support made by the Society nationally and in other jurisdictions.

Everyone is reminded that it is unacceptable for anyone to harass or abuse another because of the public statement (or for any other reason).

You are encouraged to view and share the following resources about the Voice Referendum:

• The Uluru Statement of the Heart

Australian Government webpages:

• Recognition through a Voice
• Referendum 2023

St Vincent de Paul National Council Statements:

• Passing of Voice legislation welcome (19 June 2023)
• First Nations Voice to Parliament wording welcome (23 March 2023)

John Feint, President St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn