Council resolved to support the Voice at its March meeting as an important next step towards reconciliation.
This follows Council’s unanimous support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart in August 2021 and commitment to acting locally via our Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP).
Bayside is supporting the Voice while also respecting everyone’s right to choose how to vote in the upcoming referendum.
We recognise that there is not uniformity of opinion within the community in relation to the Voice and respect everyone’s right to make their own decision on the issue. Our commitment to democratic decision making is one of the things that makes Australia great.
In the lead up to the referendum later this year Council will seek to play an educative role by sharing Australian Government information to assist our community to make informed decisions.
As the level of government closest to the community, local government plays a role in ensuring ‘fair and inclusive communities’ and strives to promote and celebrate cultural diversity. The Bayside 2050 Community Vision and 2021-25 Council Plan aim to value the lived experiences of all cultures and be inclusive and accessible for all.
Council recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have walked these lands for more than 60,000 years and acknowledges the distinctive relationship the Bunurong People have with local land and waters, including trees, hills and valleys, creeks and coast of Bayside.
Bayside has benefited greatly from the input of a local RAP Advisory Group to guide local actions towards reconciliation.
We encourage Bayside residents to seek information to make an informed decision in the lead up to the vote.
