Following the devastating outcome of The Voice Referendum on October 14, 2023, Anglicare Southern Queensland observed a Week of Silence. This was done to grieve the outcome of the referendum and reflect on its meaning and significance.
Staff, colleagues and community stakeholders were invited to attend a silent vigil to pray for our Nation at St John’s Cathedral on October 19.
In the weeks following this result, our Pastoral Care Team dedicated extra time and resources to assist anyone requiring emotional assistance.
Statement from Week of Silence organisers
In a statement made by The Uluru Statement organisation, they said, “The referendum was a chance for newcomers to show a long-refused grace and gratitude and to acknowledge that the brutal dispossession of our people underwrote their every advantage in this country.”
“For more than six years, we have explained to our nation why the Voice was our great hope to achieve real change for our families and communities.”
The statement also gave thanks to Australians who supported Indigenous Australians. It recognised the hope those who voted yes had for a better future for Australia.
“When we determine a new direction for justice and our rights, let us once again unite.”
What was the Voice?
The Voice was a referendum where Australians got to vote on an amendment to the Australian Constitution. This would have allowed for an advisory body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be established.
It was part of a recommendation, originally established by the Uluru Statement From the Heart in 2017 to recognise the voices of First Nations peoples be heard equally.
The Uluru Statement had three key pillars for reform and would have had the following impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:
Voice
A mechanism which would have allowed First Nations people to provide their own expert advice to Parliament. Moreover, on issues and policies that directly impact them.
Treaty
Which would have allowed governments and First Nations people to acknowledge historical and current rights and interests of Indigenous Australians. Furthermore, recognising sovereignty and that Australia was never ceded.
Truth
Which would’ve allowed for the full extent of injustices of First Nations people to be exposed. Enabling a shared understanding of how Australia’s colonial history has impacted them to today.
Moving forward
Anglicare Southern Queensland remains deeply saddened by the result of this referendum. We will, however, remain committed to standing by First Nations peoples and advocating alongside them regarding matters that impact them.
To learn more about our commitment to First Nations Australian’s, please visit the First Nations page on our website.