Want to learn more about the Voice proposal, what it means, and how TasCOSS arrived at their position?
Join us at the upcoming Policy Conversation to hear from TasCOSS around our position on the Voice and how you and your organisation can stay informed and lend support to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
On Saturday 14 October 2023, Australians will be asked if we agree to change the Constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
The referendum on the Voice emerged from the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which invites all Australians to walk together to build a better future by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament in the Constitution and engaging in treaty making and truth-telling. All three elements of the Uluru Statement align with TasCOSS’s purpose to challenge and change the systems, behaviours and attitudes that create poverty, inequality and exclusion.
TasCOSS accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement to walk together towards a more inclusive future and supports a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum, and encourages non-Aboriginal people to do the same.
In developing our position, we have listened to the many Aboriginal experts and leaders in our community and have reflected on our role as a peak body. We accept there are diverse views in relation to the Voice within the Aboriginal community, and also acknowledge the concerns expressed by Aboriginal people about the referendum process and the stress it is causing their communities.
The session will be facilitated by TasCOSS CEO, Adrienne Picone, and Manager Community Services Development, Simone Zell. TasCOSS Members will have opportunity to ask questions, reflect and provide feedback following the presentation.
You can also read TasCOSS’s formal position statement and background paper on the Voice, which provides a brief overview of the proposed reforms and some history in relation to the concept of the Voice, as well as information about the process TasCOSS undertook to develop our position. The Reconciliation Tasmania website is also a great place for reliable information and resources around the Voice. TasCOSS have made available a number of excellent resources from across the community services industry on the Voice proposal and referendum on our website.
Details on how to join the Microsoft Teams session will be distributed following registration.
Registration closes 5pm, Tuesday 5 September 2023. For more information, please contact Meg Tait, Policy Officer, via email.
Register to attend the upcoming Policy Conversation: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
Registration has now closed.