The Referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament will take place on 14 October.

From CAHA’s CEO, Roland Sapsford:

“The Climate and Health Alliance recognises the important links between First Nations justice and leadership, First Nations health outcomes, and climate justice. We are committed to engaging with the health sector leading up to 14 October to articulate the climate and health case for a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution.

“Constitutional recognition of First Nations peoples is intrinsically linked to their health and wellbeing. Empowering First Nations peoples’ involvement in their own health decisions and providing access to community-controlled health services is crucial to the improvement of health outcomes. Climate change is a major factor in the health outcomes of First Nations peoples.

“CAHA's Healthy, Regenerative and Just framework sets out our commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which includes the idea of a Voice. Our position of encouraging a Yes vote on October 14 is grounded in our mission to prevent poor health outcomes caused or exacerbated by climate change.”

Last week, CAHA joined 43 climate organisations and groups to support the ‘Write Yes to the Voice’ campaign. By writing YES, we support a pathway for meaningful, transformative change. You can read the full letter here.

For organisations who are looking for guidance or collateral they can share in their own networks, we strongly encourage you to check out the ‘Write Yes’ resources website, which include links to social media content, a media release, websites and messaging advice from Passing the Message Stick.