Anglicare WA supports First Nations Voice to Parliament

The Anglicare WA Board last night voted to support the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, which will be put to the vote at a referendum later this year. 

Since 2017, the organisation has supported the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its mandate to create a fuller expression of Australia’s nationhood.  

The organisation has a long history of walking alongside Aboriginal peoples in a spirit of reconciliation, as clients, advisors and partners in social change.  

Anglicare WA Chairperson John Atkins AO said the Board was unanimous in its support for constitutional change. 

“In solidarity with First Nations Peoples, communities and organisations, we commit to advocating for the Australian Parliament to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart.” said Mr Atkins. 

“Anglicare WA pledges support to the three key elements of the Uluru Statement: Voice, Treaty and Truth, which includes the call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution, and a call for a Makarrata Commission. 

“We thank First Nations people for their generous invitation to walk together towards a better future for all Australians, and we accept this invitation.”  

Anglicare WA Director of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Engagement Leone Cottam-Williams, a proud Wonnarua woman, welcomed the Board’s support for a First Nations Voice to Parliament.  

“Anglicare WA’s support has been there since the Uluru Statement from the Heart was shared as an invitation to the Australian people to walk together for a better future.” said Ms Cottam-Williams.  

“Having the Board share this public statement of support for both the Uluru Statement and a Yes vote for an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament sends a strong message to community that we accept this invitation so graciously given.   

“I am proud to walk with an organisation that walks with, listens to, and values its Aboriginal Advisory Group, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and is willing to learn, unlearn, relearn and take action.”  

You can read the full Anglicare WA Board statement here: Our commitment to reconciliation

Media Contact: James McHale, 0405 279 024, james.mchale@anglicarewa.org.au