Give Voice to a more just and compassionate society

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is marking National Reconciliation Week by recommitting support for the First Nations Voice to Parliament and the Uluru Statement From the Heart.

“The call for this year’s National Reconciliation Week is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ and we believe that advancing the cause of the First Nations Voice to Parliament is a tangible step that can help to move towards the change we aspire to see,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

“At the core of our vision is to respect human dignity and encourage people to take control of their destiny, and, as such, the Society supports the Uluru Statement and the Voice as matters of social justice.

“Historically, First Nations people have been subject to enduring impacts of colonisation which continue to this day.

“It is long overdue that First Nations people have a say in policies that directly affect their lives. The Voice to Parliament is one of the three asks put forward by the Uluru Statement, followed by Treaty and Truth.

"Establishing a Voice is the first step towards advancing First Nations' leaders calls for truth-telling and treaty making,” said Ms Saiz.

The Society has produced a series of resources outlining its position on the Voice to Parliament and the Uluru Statement From the Heart that are available online.

“We believe the upcoming referendum is an important moment in our shared history that requires people to make an informed decision,” said Paul Burton, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

“Our support for the Voice and the Uluru Statement From the Heart is driven by our mission as a lay-Catholic organisation.

“We encourage everyone to be informed and engage in this important discussion respectfully.

“This opportunity is to bring about First Nations justice and move towards a more just and compassionate society,” said Mr Burton.

Resources on the Uluru Statement From the Heart and First Nations Voice to Parliament are available at: www.vinnies.org.au/ulurustatement