A Voice for Aboriginal people? Yes, it’s union business!

Michele Appleton, a proud Wiradjuri woman and AEU Organiser, explains why a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is union business.

Last year, Yalukit Yulendj, our national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education committee comprised of representatives from across Australia, endorsed AEU support for the Yes campaign. This recommendation came from meaningful consultation and an understanding of the vital role our union plays in building an equitable society. Since early this year, we’ve been working actively to support the Yes campaign.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up only 3% of the Australian population. We alone will not be heard. We need the voices of our non-Aboriginal brothers and sisters to amplify our message.

You, as educators, play an essential role in spreading a clear message in your communities. This is a referendum to acknowledge and value the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the matters which affect us.

As educators, we know the difference equitable and informed systems make for our students, communities, and profession. A Yes vote in the referendum ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are consulted on matters that affect us, our children, and our communities. A Yes vote ensures we can advise decision makers to safeguard our cultural, mental, and physical needs. That’s something all educators and all unions can get behind.

We understand the power of standing together, with one voice, saying Yes. Now let’s make history.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

MICHELE

APPLETON, ORGANISER: ABORIGINAL EDUCATORS FOCUS, AEU SA

Find out more and access resources at aeusa.asn.au/yes aeusa.asn.au/yes

WHAT IS THE YES CAMPAIGN?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have asked for recognition in the form of a Voice to Parliament. A referendum will take place later this year, seeking a change to Australia’s Constitution to include this recognition. The referendum question will be 'Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?'

The Yes campaign is encouraging all Australians to write the answer 'Yes' at the referendum, to support the Voice to Parliament.

WHY IS YES UNION AND EDUCATOR BUSINESS?

Equity is union and educator business. The AEU is proud to support a Yes vote. As well as advocating for public educators and public education, the AEU and our members have a long history of standing alongside other communities as they fight for justice and progress.

South Australia Leading The Way

Many of us gathered on the steps of Parliament last term to celebrate SA becoming the first state to have a First Nations Voice to Parliament! It was exciting to stand together and witness this historic moment. Let's harness that momentum for a national Yes vote later this year, to ensure First People are heard at the Federal and State level.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

As an educator, you're a trusted member of your community. Read more about the Yes campaign, then start having conversations with the people in your life about voting Yes at the referendum.

Significant Dates This Term

NATIONAL SORRY DAY: 26 MAY

National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. Find out more at www.reconciliation.org.au

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: 27 MAY - 3 JUNE

Act today for a reconciled tomorrow. This week commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Read more at www.nrw.reconciliation.org.au

NATIONAL NAIDOC WEEK: 2 JULY - 9 JULY

Celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Read more and get involved at www.naidoc.org.au