Bass Coast Shire Council has moved to formally support the Voice to Parliament at today’s Council meeting.
Council recognises the past and existing trauma suffered by First Nations People. Inequities experienced by Indigenous peoples that have resulted in disproportionate social, health and economic burdens and outcomes.
The lived experiences of Indigenous peoples are profuse, diverse and deeply felt.
We believe that active involvement of First Nations peoples in the issues that affect them and an ability to make decisions that impact their lives will improve overall health and wellbeing outcomes.
As all Bass Coast residents go to the polls on 14 October, Council is committed to sharing clear, credible information on the Voice to Parliament and all aspects of the upcoming referendum, to assist residents in making their own considered and informed choice on the day.
For many years, Council has been committed to Reconciliation, and we acknowledge that we are all on a journey of learning.
We will continue to work actively in partnership with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, and in particular with the Bunurong People, which is the land on which we at Bass Coast live.
We acknowledge there are different views around the Voice and respect everyone’s right to express their views and to choose how to vote. We want to help ensure our community is well-informed to decide, and that the vote each individual makes is done so with as much information as possible.
Enshrining the Voice into the Constitution is a small step towards closing the gap to create better outcomes and opportunities for First Nations People, and is a genuine opportunity to benefit all Australians.
We encourage residents to seek reliable information to shape their stance on the referendum and engage in discussion with care and respect.
