The Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA®) acknowledges the ongoing strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in sustaining the world’s oldest living cultures.
Social, cultural and historical determinants influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander conceptions of health and wellbeing including strong connection to country and collective identity. Core to its vision, AHPA is committed to overcoming inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that affect their health and social outcomes.
To achieve meaningful progress towards health equity AHPA supports constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge that an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice is the form of recognition chosen by the Indigenous community and support this self-determined position.
“The voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be heard on matters that affect them. An Indigenous Voice to Parliament will help us as a nation to make meaningful progress towards closing the gap and overcoming the inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Associate Professor Michelle Dickson, Darkinjung/Ngarigu Aboriginal woman and AHPA Board Director and Co-Chair of AHPA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee
AHPA supports the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty making and truth-telling.
Other countries, such as New Zealand and Canada, have already constitutionally recognised their First Nations people. In Australia, such constitutional recognition is the result of over 12 years of work, 7 processes and 10 reports.
“We have heard the message from the Indigenous community seeking Voice, Treaty, Truth. AHPA is proud to stand with the thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people calling for this change.”
Dr Gemma Crawford, AHPA President
AHPA supports an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution as a fundamental way the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be heard.
We acknowledge and respect the diversity of our membership and the wider community and encourage members to engage in respectful discussion on our journey towards a healthier and more equitable Australia.
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Download the statement here.
Authorised by the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA®)
Jenny Philip-Harbutt, Company Secretary and Co-Chair of AHPA's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee
38 Surrey Road, Keswick SA 5035, Australia
31 May 2023