The Voice Referendum

This is a resource page where ABM features links to resources, articles, websites etc which particularly express Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices on the proposed National Referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Australian Constitution.

It also features material relating to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Resources on the Voice Referendum.

From National Aboriginal Bishop, the Rt Rev’d Chris McLeod

“It is very easy for those in the majority to ignore the voices of those in the minority…The ability to hear the small voice is something that was at the heart of ministry of Jesus. The ignored and marginalised found someone who listened to them…” Read more here.

Anglican National Aboriginal Bishop joins Australian faith leaders in call for Voice to Parliament

Australia’s faith leaders, including our National Aboriginal Bishop, the Rt Rev’d Chris McLeod, have written a letter calling on Australia’s political leaders and all federal parliamentarians to support an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to the Australian Parliament., following on from the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

You can read the letter here

From Aunty Dr Rose Elu, Torres Strait Islander leader and member of NATSIAC.

Find out here why well-known Anglican Torres Strait Islander leader, Aunty Dr Rose Elu, supports an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to the Australian Parliament. Read here.

From the Rev’d Canon Glenn Loughrey

Canon Glenn has a blog, Red Shoes Walking, in which he has posted several articles about the Voice, including these below:

www.redshoeswalking.net/natsiac-the-voice-in-action

www.redshoeswalking.net/voice-no-obstacles

www.redshoeswalking.net/the-voice

From the Heart Campaign Website

The Website

“From the Heart” is a campaign for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament that is enshrined in the Constitution. [From the Heart believes] It is now time for The Australian people to come together through a referendum and make this fair and practical change.” You can access the website here.

The Flyer

Download this simple flyer for your church or community which could be used to help create discussion about the “Voice” referendum in your parish or community.

From the School of Indigenous Studies (University of Divinity)

Professor Anne Pattel-Gray calls on churches to support a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

Watch the Youtube video below: 

The Reverend Canon Dr Garry Worete Deverell presents a lecture on the Uluru Statement and the design of the Voice.

Watch the Youtube video below: 

Resources on the Statement from the Heart

ABM’s A Voice in the Wilderness study

This 8-part study was designed to help the church listen to the Statement from the Heart and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christians. It was written by Celia Kemp and beautifully illustrated by the artwork of Glenn Loughrey. It has recently been updated and can be accessed here, either online, by downloading a free PDF, or by ordering a printed copy. A separate electronic leader’s guide is also available for use by groups.

From the Rev’d Canon Glenn Loughrey

“The Statement invites everyone living on this land to join with us to create a just country on a political, corporate, and personal level…” Read more here.

“The Practical Consequences of a Voice to Parliament”

In this five-minute video, Rev’d Canon Glenn, speaking from Melbourne’s St Paul’s Cathedral, uses a practical example of consultations on the Murray-Darling river system to imagine what would be possible with a Voice to Parliament. “Indigenous people should be sitting at the table with ministers making the right decisions. Hear our voice…”

View video here