Uluru Statement Resources

If you’ve been wondering why we need a First Nations Voice and how it would work, you are not alone.

The Society has developed responses to these, and many other, frequently asked questions about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a First Nations Voice to Parliament. The FAQs are the fourth in a series of resources to support our networks learn more about the Uluru Statement and its calls for Voice, Treaty, Truth.

It is part of our commitment to reconciliation and upholding the rights of First Nations people. Read our FAQs here or learn more at https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart explainer is a short resource for The Society’s networks to learn about the Uluru Statement and its calls for Voice, Treaty, Truth. It explains why these are important and why the Society supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart (the Statement) is an invitation from First Nations peoples to non-Indigenous Australians to walk together for a better future. It was developed in 2017 after a long and extensive deliberation process by First Nations delegates across Australia.

The Statement calls for real and practical change through the establishment of a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament and a Makarrata Commission to undertake processes of treaty-making and truth-telling.

Makarrata is a multi-layered Yolgnu word understood as the coming together after a struggle to heal the divisions of the past.

The Statement’s agenda is represented by the three elements of Voice, Truth and Treaty:

• Voice – a constitutionally enshrined representative body to provide expert advice to Parliament about laws and policies that impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Treaty – a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations that formally recognises ancient sovereignty, and that land was never ceded.
• Truth – a process to expose the full extent of the past injustices experienced by Aboriginal people and to arrive at a fair and truthful relationship with the people of Australia about Australia’s history.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul NSW accepts the Uluru Statement from the Heart’s invitation and is proud to support its calls for National Voice to Parliament.

Why The Society supports the Uluru Statement, is the third in a series of resources to support our networks learn more about the Uluru Statement and its calls for Voice, Treaty, Truth. It is part of our commitment to reconciliation and upholding the rights of First Nations people. Read our fact sheet here or learn more at ulurustatement.org/the-statement/

Why the Society supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart

• The Society supports the Uluru Statement and a Voice to Parliament as part of our mission to shape a more just and compassionate society.
• By supporting the Uluru Statement we are supporting First Nations peoples who have suffered greatly as a result of colonisation.
• Colonisation resulted in violence, dispossession, and poverty. It led to discrimination, exclusion and trauma. These devastating effects continue to be experienced by First Nations peoples today.
• First Nations people comprise around one-fifth of the people that The Society works with and assists. By supporting the Uluru Statement and a Voice, we will reduce poverty and injustice experienced by First Nations people.
• Establishing a Voice to Parliament will give First Nations peoples a direct say over laws and policies that impact them. This will produce better outcomes in areas like health, education and employment.
• A First Nations Voice to Parliament is consistent with the Society’s vision to encourage people to take control of their own destiny.
• The Catholic Church in Australia officially endorsed the Uluru Statement in July 2022.
• The Society has accepted the invitation of First Nations leaders and delegates to walk alongside First Nations people for a better future.
• We invite you to join us in a movement of the Australian people, based on our values of compassion, understanding and respect.

Refer to our guide on resources that are reputable sources of information about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the First Nations Voice to Parliament.

The Uluru Statement invites us to walk with First Nations peoples in ‘a movement of the Australian people for a better future’. We accept the Statement’s invitation and are proud to support its calls for the long overdue reforms.

To support our members inform themselves about the Uluru Statement and the Voice to Parliament in the lead up to the referendum, the Policy and Advocacy Team have developed this Conference Reflection and Action Kit to help members members discern the importance of this national debate.

The Society’s support for the Uluru Statement is part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. It reflects The Society’s mission to shape a more just and compassionate society.

This publication is reflecting on our commitment and support for the Uluru Statement and embedding it within the Society’s mission, vision and values.

Read the Uluru Statement from the Heart - Vincentian Reflection here

The From the Heart Schools Kit is an educational resource has been put together for secondary students who are affiliated with the Vinnies through their High School Conference work or Social Justice groups to increase their awareness of this historic campaign and putting their awareness into action.