The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) is supportive of giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a Voice to parliament.
We recognise that, as in any democratic society, some members of the Victorian community may hold different views. We also understand that our public sector members need to remain politically neutral and are unable to publicly comment on their position.
We have worked closely with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to ensure our words and actions are appropriately informed. We understand that it is important to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this debate.
The VHA is proud to release the following statement that aligns with our vision of ‘health and wellbeing for everyone’.
The VHA supports a constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
We believe that a Voice to parliament will make a real difference in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and will contribute as an important step to closing the gap on health inequality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We acknowledge the connection between health and equality, and the importance of communities being empowered to actively participate in decision-making processes that impact their health, wellbeing and lives.
In providing a platform to speak directly to the Australian Government, the Voice can empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create better health and wellbeing. The recognition and representation that the Voice will afford Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples holds the potential to positively address entrenched health inequities, and strongly aligns with our vision of health and wellbeing for everyone.
While we recognise that members of the community may hold different views, and that some of our public sector members may not be in a position to publicly comment on this matter, the VHA respectfully affirms our support for the Voice.
We encourage our members and others in the health sector to make an informed and independent decision about this important issue.
On 14 October 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body. It would give advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, such as their health and access to culturally safe services.