Mission Australia submission - Inquiry into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum

We are a signatory to the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) Principles for a Partnership-centred Approach which guide the way we engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, and how we deliver services and development initiatives in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. [...] We have committed to fostering a strengths-based approach to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to lead the work that affects them. [...] It was written and issued to the Australian people, calling for a First Nations Voice enshrined in the constitution and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission to oversee agreement-making and truth-telling. [...] The Voice to Parliament will empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say on the laws and policies that impact them. [...] The proposed amendment We have seen examples of impactful change where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities are empowered to lead the work that affects them and believe enshrining an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the constitution will allow for long-lasting structural change at a national level.