Regional Arts WA Board Statement – Voice to Parliament

Annalee Ladiges

Regional Arts WA proudly expresses its support for the Yes vote in the upcoming Referendum to enshrine a Voice to Parliament for Australia’s First Nations people.

As an organisation dedicated to celebrating and strengthening arts and culture across regional Western Australia, we strongly endorsed the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart. The Statement represents a monumental milestone in Australia’s journey towards reconciliation and justice and is a powerful expression of the aspirations and wisdom of First Nations peoples; it called for constitutional recognition and a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament.

Regional Arts WA firmly believes in the principles of First Nations self-determination, cultural authority, and leadership. We advocate for the right of First Nations peoples to have a meaningful say in decisions that affect their lives, communities, and cultural heritage. The Voice will provide a platform for First Nations peoples to contribute their knowledge, perspectives, and lived experiences to the legislative and policy-making processes at the highest level of government. The establishment of a Voice to Parliament is a crucial step towards a national culture that represents equity and fairness.

Regional Arts WA acknowledges First Nation peoples deep and enduring connection to Country and immense cultural wealth, including their unique artistic and cultural expressions. In saying Yes, we aim to honour and embrace the spirit of reconciliation and truth-telling.

We urge regional Australia’s arts and creative sectors to join us in supporting a Yes vote in the upcoming Referendum for Constitutional Recognition and a Voice to Parliament, in alignment with the principles set forth in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Let us collectively acknowledge the past and work towards a more just nation that values the culture, voices, and rights of all Australians.

If you would like to discuss Regional Arts WA’s Statement on the Voice, please contact Dr Pilar Kasat, Chief Executive Officer, on pkasat@regionalartswa.org.au .