Guided by our Indigenous members and stakeholders, Science & Technology Australia strongly supports a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum.
This historic referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition and a voice to Parliament gives all Australians the chance to honour 65,000 years of Indigenous presence, history, and culture.
STA leaders – including STA President Professor Mark Hutchinson and CEO Misha Schubert – have made the case for a resounding ‘Yes’ vote known in opinion pieces published in The Australian and The Canberra Times.
Mark wrote of the importance of a ‘Yes’ vote for Australian science. Misha penned a personal reflection about what this moment offers all Australians – love and hope, a powerful moment of grace, unity, and a better future.
Through decades of patient advocacy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities have called for constitutional recognition.
Recognition through a Voice to Parliament and Government will ensure Indigenous Australians can give advice when laws and policies affect them and their communities.
“It’s crystal clear that the current approach just isn’t working to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage – and that’s why the Voice is needed,” said STA President Professor Mark Hutchinson.
“It will deliver better results – and that will mean more efficient and effective spending of public money and deliver more progress on health, education, justice and wellbeing.”
With support from across our grassroots membership network including STA’s three Indigenous member organisations, STA advocates for a unifying ‘Yes’ vote.
“Echoing down decades – the call for Indigenous constitutional recognition and a Voice to Parliament has been made by generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and campaigners,” said STA CEO Misha Schubert.
“No takes us nowhere – and would just continue with the failed approaches of the past.”
“By voting ‘Yes’, we support the simple request from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – a constitutionally-enshrined advisory committee that enables Indigenous Australian to bring their lived experiences and deep expertise to inform better policy for their communities. Standing together for a ‘Yes’ vote that will lead to better health and life expectancy – and make stronger inroads on poverty and disadvantage for our most disadvantaged.”
“Love and hope. A powerful moment of grace. Respect, dignity, and inclusion. And a better future. That’s what a resounding ‘yes’ vote can bring.”
