Anglicare Southern Queensland are in support of a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
With a consistent Indigenous client base, Anglicare's services have been providing care for the Indigenous community for over a century.
Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr man Howie Vandyke, the First Nations Engagement and Development Advisor for Anglicare Southern Queensland informed the National Indigenous Times about Anglicare's decision to support a 'Yes' vote.
Anglicare Southern Queensland First Nations Engagement and Development Advisor Howie Vandyke speaking at a forum earlier this year. (Image: Supplied/AnglicareSQ)
"Anglicare Southern Queensland supports the Yes campaign in the upcoming Voice to Parliament Referendum as it aligns with our values of ensuring we live in a civil society, where there is a world of justice, hope and fairness," he said.
"Anglicare's commitment to these principles has led us to pledge our support to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, encompassing its core elements of truth, treaty and voice."
"At its heart, this pledge means advocating for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution, empowering First Nations peoples."
Anglicare said it is committed to establishing personal, culturally sensitive support plans for Indigenous people and their carers ensuring they can maintain their cultural identity and well-being, reflecting the values of a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
"The Voice will provide advice to Parliament on proposed laws impacting First Nations peoples," Mr Van Dyke said.
"This will then mean that Parliament will be far better informed about the impact of proposed laws on First Nations peoples and can decide to amend laws where appropriate."
"A better-informed Parliament will likely lead to better laws that will have a positive impact on the lives of First Nations peoples, including real outcomes to Closing the Gap."
"Supporting the Voice is about respecting the rights of all First Nations people and the very real expectations and outcomes that they are seeking and to finally be fully acknowledged and recognised in Australia's constitution."
