On Saturday, 14th October 2023, all Australian voters will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a single question.
“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”
The alternation would add the following to our Australian constitution.
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
- there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
- the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”
As an organisation, QPP has listened carefully, respectfully, and openly to our communities, peers, state and national HIV, health, and First Nations organisations. It’s now up to every Australian individual to take part in this important democratic process.
A foundation of the work we do at QPP is “Nothing for us, without us”. This statement, and what it embodies, has guided the HIV movement throughout the world to demand that the positive voice be included in all discussions regarding the health and future of people living with HIV. We understand ‘The Voice’ to be asking the same for First Nations people.
We endorse the statements by our national HIV bodies NAPWHA and Health Equity Matters, together with many of our state organisations in supporting “Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum.
QPP supports ‘The Voice’.
