CASPA Services supports the proposed amendment to the Constitution recognising Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We consider this a crucial step towards reconciliation.
Confronting and acknowledging the atrocities and generational trauma inflicted on Australia’s First Nations people throughout our history, can only progress us towards healing and true reconciliation – making for a more inclusive, equitable and just society.
A Voice to Parliament for First Nations people will bring Australia in line with international human rights standards.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, recognises the right of First Nations people to participate in decisions on matters that affect them – their survival, their dignity, their wellbeing and fundamental freedoms.
Decisions, especially regarding matters such as health, wellbeing, education and culture must include and be led by First Nations communities.
Without the Voice to Parliament, decisions affecting our First Nations people will continue to be made remotely, and with little consultation on policy directly affecting them.
As a leading child welfare and care services organisation working to provide a better future for children and young people in our communities, CASPA Services supports any positive steps towards a reconciled Australia – delivering on our values as an organisation and in our role as an advocate for the vulnerable people, particularly the First Nations people we are privileged to work alongside.
Nicolas Harrison
Chair
CASPA Services
