School of Languages and Cultures supports faculty’s ‘Yes’ to the Voice
We believe that it is important to accept the request from First Nations Peoples to walk with them, to listen to them on issues that affect them and achieve real improvements in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as a first step towards reconciliation and opening the road to achieving a truly inclusive and harmonious society, and to commit to continuing to work to make Australia a stronger, more united and, especially, fairer country.
By voting 'Yes' on 14 October, we will have a nation that finally embraces its national history which started over 65,000 years ago, followed by 235 years of British colonisation and the subsequent waves of diverse mass migration.
Our engagement in researching and teaching into many cultures and languages is based upon a deep respect and acknowledgement of the longest-surviving continuous culture that is present in this country. This culture long predates colonisation and mass migration, and has been transmitted through countless generations of First Nations Peoples.
Many of us in the school are first-generation migrants to this country or descendants of migrants. It is our firm belief that until we redress the fundamental injustice on which Australia is built and give constitutional recognition and Voice to the original and legitimate custodians of this land, Australia will never be a truly multicultural country built on equality of opportunity and outcomes for all.
We encourage colleagues and students to support the 'Yes' vote, and to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with their communities to also encourage support for the Voice.