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Later this year, all Australians will vote in a Referendum about changing the constitution to enshrine a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This is a significant moment in our history.
It's important to recognise that the planning profession is uniquely placed to contribute to genuine reconciliation given the relationship between our work and Country.
PIA as an organisation supports the Voice to Parliament referendum.
The referendum will ask the question:
“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?
We see our support as a logical step in our long-standing support for all three elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart: Voice, Treaty and Truth.
In coming to this view, we have been guided by the advice of our Knowledge Circle.
We are joining many other organisations taking a similar view. All four football codes have supported the Voice in the last few weeks, as well as organisations as diverse as Engineers Australia, the Australian Law Council, the Heart Foundation, and the Australian Banking Association (just to name a few).
Like them, we see a Voice to Parliament as an important step in ensuring the voices of First Nations peoples are heard and respected, including in planning.
Our role as planners
PIA acknowledges that Australia’s planning systems and practices have lacked both voice and acknowledgement of First Nations peoples’ connection to Country, and have often contributed to the invisibility and disenfranchisement of First Nations peoples.
We, as planners, are uniquely placed to contribute to genuine reconciliation with First Nations peoples given the relationship between our work and Country.
The referendum presents an opportunity for Australians to accept the invitation offered in the Uluru Statement to ‘walk with’ First Nations peoples to build a better Australia.
And for planners, we also see an opportunity to harness a deeper respect of Country; a moment to promote a real partnership with First Nations peoples in our planning practice.
Your decision-making journey
We respect there are different views about the Voice proposal - including amongst our members - and all Australians will make up their own mind.
To support informed decision-making by our members, PIA will continue to share relevant information about the referendum so you can make an informed decision.
Official websites
Official fact sheets
Campaign websites
Planning related resources
The Fifth Estate article:
Dr Ed Wensing (Knowledge Circle member) and Dr Harry Hobbs:
Australian National University:
Authorised by Matt Collins, Unit 16, Level 3, 11 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600