The Board of Directors of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) affirms their full support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
In 2017, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attended the National First Nations Constitutional Convention at Uluru to ratify the decision making of the Regional Dialogues process. From these dialogues came a gift to all Australian people, the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people from First Nations Australians. It asks Australians to walk together to build a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution, and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty making and truth-telling.
On Saturday 14 October 2023, Australians will have the opportunity to participate in a referendum to enshrine a Voice to Parliament within The Australian Constitution.
A Voice to Parliament will be a permanent body to make representations to the Australian Parliament and the Executive Government on legislation and policy of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It will further the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, by giving them a greater say on matters that affect them.
The AHPA Board recognises people within our community will hold differing views and perspectives. We recognise the impact on First Nations people and ask our members to be respectful and sensitive as we each take the time to learn, ask questions and become informed before we vote.
A copy of this full statement is available for download here.
The links below provide access to key resources about the referendum, and are intended to support our continuous journey of learning and education.
The Uluru Dialogue partnered with SBS Radio to translate the Uluru Statement into many of Australia’s multicultural languages. A full list can be found here.
Research indicates First Nations peoples may be experiencing stress, uncertainty, and other mental health impacts at this time.
To support the health sector to respond to the mental health needs of First Nations peoples, the ANU has published evidence-based factsheets that summarise the research findings and provide links to relevant information and supports. These factsheets have been tailored to the following audiences: