“If there is somewhere to come together to try and improve the lives of the most disadvantaged, this country will be better off. The only way to do this is to have a voice,” says Associate Professor Boe Rambaldini, Bundjalung Nation Elder and AEDRTC lead.

Working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, Quandamooka woman, Ms Leilani Darwin and Bundjalung Nation Elder, Associate Professor Boe Rambaldini, AEDRTC consortium partners and staff have been humbled by the generous sharing of cultural knowledge and can see the value and importance of enabling First Nations peoples to have a say in matters that affect them.

The AEDRTC consortium partners and staff believe and firmly support the view that the Voice to Parliament will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities a means to inform and guide policy and legislation that affects them, their lives and wellbeing, reducing inequality, improving mental and physical health, and closing the gap.

“There have been numerous stats and plans to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including eating disorders. The only things that have changed on those plans are the dates and authors,” Associate Professor Boe Rambaldini.

“This referendum will provide us with recognition within the constitution and give us a permanent voice at the table to advise people on what we believe are the issues that impact us and provide options to address them."

As a nation we have an opportunity to listen to our First Nations elders, leaders and peoples, and follow Associate Professor Rambaldini’s advocacy to engage with this important and meaningful progression towards reconciliation.

“Every state and territory government passed laws where they had complete control over our lives and full custody of our kids.”

“The only thing that will happen with the referendum will be bringing both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples together. It won’t be a fence where we keep people in or out, it will be a bridge to bring people together in harmony,” Associate Professor Boe Rambaldini.

The AEDRTC supports a YES vote.