New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council to actively campaign for Voice

Callan Morse
Callan Morse Published June 19, 2023 at 11.50am (AWST)

Following last week's full council meeting the NSW Aboriginal Land Council has confirmed it will actively campaign for the Indigenous Voice to parliament.

It comes after representatives from the Uluru Dialogue met with NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) councillors and presented at the council's regional forums.

The decision confirms NSWALC's position to both endorse the 'Yes' campaign and play an active role in the Voice debate.

NSWALC Chairperson and proud Walbunga man Cr Danny Chapman said the decision was an easy one for the Council.

"We have deliberately decided to take a stand and actively promote the Yes vote," Mr Chapman said.

"This wasn't a hard decision. We have long called for a Constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament and a Makarrata (truth-telling) Commission."

The Council said with recent polling suggesting a drop in support for the Voice, it's important for people to hear how a 'Yes' vote will make a real difference in Aboriginal people's lives, especially in rural and remote areas.

Mr Chapman said he hoped the stance would prompt further movement towards a Voice, Treaty and Truth-telling in Nsw South Wales.

"This month represents the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act in NSW. With the Minns Government support for a Treaty process, we are hopeful for a pathway forward that supports Voice, Treaty and Truth-telling," Cr Chapman said.

He also condemned what the Council called a "rising level of racial discourse surrounding Voice commentary", which has the largest member-based Aboriginal organisation in New South Wales concerned.

"NSWALC will promote respectful dialogue, refer community members to support services, and provide tools for community members to be supported when faced with racist discourse or actions," Mr Chapman said.

The Voice to Parliament referendum will be held between October and December this year.

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