The result on the Voice from the weekend is not what we worked and hoped for. But this referendum result is not failure, and it does not define us. At SNAICC we will continue to stand up and work for better outcomes for our children.
We respect the stance of the organisations and individuals who have chosen to ‘go dark’ this week. At this time SNAICC has made the decision to not stay silent.
We need to take particular care of our young ones. We know these events can be damaging so we urge everyone to be aware of the comments they make and how they impact children.
The Uluṟu statement calls for Voice, Treaty and Truth.
It’s now time for some truth telling. This means looking at who we were as a country, the impacts of that on who we are, but most importantly how we go forward to be the country we want to be. A place that values and has pride in being home to the oldest living culture on the planet.
We also know Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have the solutions to the issues we face.
We know that education is key to turning around outcomes and that starts with our babies and making sure families have the support they need, delivered by community services they trust.
Another Royal Commission is not a solution. There have been more than 22 reports into allegations of abuse and neglect in our communities since the Bringing them Home report in 1997.
A National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children that has legislated power to investigate any alleged wrongdoing or breaches of a child’s rights is a solution we have been putting forward for many years, and that Government can implement immediately.
History shows the greatest victories can come from a defeat.
Thank you to those many, many people who supported Yes.
Our journey will continue, but on a different path.
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For all media queries, please contact Mandy Taylor on 0414634159 or media@snaicc.org.au.
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