A group that has its roots in the Goulburn Valley and now advocates for people with a disability in 22 local government areas across Victoria and NSW has backed the Yes campaign in the upcoming referendum.
The Rights, Information and Advocacy Centre, which supports and advocates for people with disabilities, their carers and communities, including First Nations clients, said a Yes vote would provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a meaningful forum to participate in decisions that impacted their lives and be a significant step towards reconciliation.
“Standing with First Nations people is integral to RIAC’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where human rights are respected, and all are valued, heard and empowered, regardless of their abilities, background or circumstances,” RIAC chief executive Sandy Ross said.
“We are proud to accept the invitation extended in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and resolve to work alongside First Nations people of the lands on which we work — Djaara, Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri, Ladji Ladji, Barkinji, Wadawurrung, Bangerang and Taungurung — to establish a Voice enshrined in the Constitution.”
RIAC’s positioning statement on the referendum says it believes the Voice will provide a pathway for:
- Addressing historical injustices;
- Empowering Indigenous communities, enabling them to have a stronger influence on policies and legislation that impact their land rights, self-determination and social, economic and cultural wellbeing; and
- Facilitating the ongoing reconciliation process between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians based on acknowledging Australia’s First Nations peoples’ unique standing, rights and needs.
Dr Ross said RIAC was also urging its communities, stakeholders, clients and colleagues to vote Yes on October 14.