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Better legislation and policy will result from Voice to Parliament
28th Feb 2023
As part of the national launch today of Allies for Uluru, the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) has confirmed its commitment to ‘Voice, Treaty and Truth’ which starts with enshrining a First Nations Voice to Parliament in the Constitution.
“A First Nations Voice will improve social cohesion by empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to work with government cooperatively, ensuring that the best possible policies and legislation will emerge,” said Ms Genevieve Henderson, National President, ALA. “This is the roadmap to closing the gap.”
The ALA has joined forces with a range of other non-profit groups and corporates as part of Allies for Uluru to help share information and encourage a Yes vote for the Voice to Parliament referendum.
“We are eager to see a successful referendum result and the realisation of a Voice to Parliament that guarantees the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives in national policy and decision-making processes,” said Ms Henderson.
The ALA considers that the First Nations Voice proposal is moderate, pragmatic and legally sound.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should have a say in the laws and policies that affect their lives,” said Ms Henderson. “Our legal system has often failed to adequately represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but we know that the law can be used effectively to create a more just and equitable society.
“The proposed amendment to the Constitution would serve a dual purpose in that it would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through empowering them with a voice to Parliament, but at the same time this change would respect parliamentary supremacy and sovereignty of the Crown.
“The detail of the Voice’s design, including its membership and governance structure, would be contained in legislation passed after constitutional enshrinement, allowing the Voice to be adapted to future circumstances.”
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