Empowered Communities leaders take message to Canberra for first week of parliament

Giovanni Torre
Giovanni Torre Published February 3, 2023 at 12.30pm (AWST)

Indigenous leaders from communities across Australia, including Cape York, Inner Sydney, Goulburn Murray, and the Kimberley, will arrive in Canberra for the first week of Parliament next week to take their message to law makers.

The Empowered Communities leaders from urban, regional and remote areas will be sharing their on-the-ground experience and explaining why constitutional recognition enshrining a Voice is vital to Closing the Gap.

Chair of the Empowered Communities leaders' group, Ian Trust from East Kimberley, urged parliamentarians "from all sides" to take the opportunity to meet with the delegation and listen to their stories.

"We are here to ensure debate is informed by those of us with firsthand knowledge on the ground," said Mr Trust.

"Empowered Communities leaders have been working in partnership with governments for a long time and we understand the potential of this change.

"A Voice will give Indigenous people a say in the matters that affect us, so we can work in partnership with governments and more effectively bring about the practical changes needed to close the gap."

Empowered Communities leader for Cape York, Fiona Jose, said the delegation was eager to share their knowledge and demonstrate how the Voice could "shift the dial" on outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"We know firsthand the potential of constitutional recognition through Voice to break through the structural barriers hindering development of our people and places," she said.

"Whether it is the education of our children, access to healthcare, employment, language rejuvenation and cultural protection, or preventing violence in our communities – our local and regional communities must be empowered to partner with government to action strong solutions."

Ms Jose said a Voice to parliament would be a practical and enduring way to recognise Indigenous Australians in the constitution.

Empowered Communities regions have been working in a "pragmatic partnership" with the federal government and corporate partners since 2015.

In addition to Mr Trust and Ms Jose, the leadership group includes Vickie Parry from Central Coast, Tyronne Garstone from West Kimberley, Chris Ingrey and Shane Phillips from Inner Sydney, Kirstyne Davis from the Cape York Institute for Policy, Leadership and Innovation, Gary Field - Barang Regional Alliance Operations Manager, Central Coast, and Reshaune Singer Empowered Communities Engagement Officer from Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Lands.

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National Indigenous Times

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