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Treaty body welcomes Voice date and urges united stand

Sep 4, 2023

**Walk to support:** First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria co-chairs Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman Ngarra Murray (left) and Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg (back, red jacket) participate in the Long Walk for Recognition and a Voice.

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has welcomed the announcement of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum date and says the “vast majority of Aboriginal people” are united in where they stand.

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The assembly has urged voting Australians to vote Yes in the upcoming referendum.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the referendum will be held on Saturday, October 14.

Gunditjmara man and assembly co-chair Rueben Berg said the referendum was about ensuring Aboriginal people could have a meaningful say on Aboriginal affairs, and the vast majority of Aboriginal people supported the Yes vote.

“Aboriginal people are the experts on our own lives, we get far better outcomes when we are involved in creating the programs and policies that affect us,” he said.

“Voting Yes is confirmation that you want First Peoples to thrive and for our unique connection to this country to be recognised, respected and celebrated.”

His co-chair, Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman Ngarra Murray, said creating an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament would be an important step forward in advancing the rights of First Peoples across the country.

“Our people have been fighting for representation at a national level since the 1930s,” she said.

“Voting Yes will ensure our peoples’ hopes, ideas and priorities can always be heard by the government of the day. Voting Yes is a chance for everyone in Australia to show they are ready to create a better future together.”