Submission to the Inquiry into the Administration of the referendum into an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) strongly supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice enshrined in the Australian Constitution. FECCA’s recognises the enduring inequalities faced by First Nations peoples and the need for community-led solutions to create sustainable, meaningful outcomes. Drawing on its decades of experience with multicultural communities, FECCA emphasises that empowering communities to lead on issues that affect them yields the best results. The organisation supports the proposed constitutional amendment and referendum question, affirming that they align with the mandate of the Uluru Statement and are legally sound.
FECCA’s submission underscores the importance of embedding the Voice to ensure that First Nations communities can directly provide insights into their needs and strengths, resulting in improved laws, policies, and targeted investments. This is seen as vital for Australia’s progress as an inclusive and cohesive nation. As a trusted partner to governments and communities, FECCA commits to advancing policies that embrace diversity and justice while addressing historical and systemic inequities. By advocating for the Voice’s ability to communicate directly with both the Executive and Parliament, FECCA highlights its belief that this mechanism is essential for achieving meaningful change and fostering national unity.
