On 14 October 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First peoples of Australia and to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in our Constitution.
Referendums don’t come around often, so it’s important to talk to your community, family, friends and colleagues. We understand and respect differences of opinion and your choice to make personal decisions on how you vote.
By making a clear statement of support for a Yes vote, Climate Friendly stands committed to walking together with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Australians and to listen to their views on how to create a better future for them and their communities.
We all know from personal experience that it’s important to be heard on issues that directly affect our lives and local community. That is the essence of what the referendum is about – enabling Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people to have a Voice and be heard on issues that affect them.
Since we were founded in 2003, Climate Friendly has worked with our carbon farming partners to restore ecosystems across Australia, foster sustainable agriculture and to combat climate change. We value the relationships we have built with our partners, including with the Traditional Custodians of the lands around Australia. We all share a love of the land, whether we bring expertise in carbon farming, multi-generational management of pastoral lands or 60,000 years of caring for Country.
The Voice was proposed by Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders in 2017 following a gathering of 250 First Nations representatives. In their Uluru Statement from the Heart they invited all Australians to walk with them for a better future.
Climate Friendly believes a successful Referendum on the Voice to Parliament will have profound significance. It will mean Australians have emphatically said that Parliament should listen to First Nations people about matters that affect them.
It will also signal acceptance by all Australians of the Uluru Statement from the Heart’s invitation to walk together for a better future.
If you would like more information about the referendum, click here
Mental health and wellbeing support
The national conversation on the Voice in Australia might negatively affect the mental health and wellbeing of some First Nations peoples.
People will have different opinions about the Voice, which could lead to difficult conversations with community, family, friends and colleagues.
Sadly too, some people will express racist or negative views about First Nations peoples on social media and other channels. These conversations may cause additional stress for some people.
If talk of the Voice is affecting your wellbeing, it is important to know there is support available.
Some information and links to free mental health and wellbeing services are accessible here:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/first-nations-mental-health-and-wellbeing-support
https://wellmob.org.au
