Thursday, 5 October 2023

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:09): I am proud today to rise to update the house on our government’s support for a federal Voice to Parliament to support the brightest possible future for First Nations children in our state. We have seen how the Voice referendum, to be held Saturday week, is an opportunity for a stronger, fairer future for Victoria’s First Nations people. It is a pretty simple ask: to listen to First Nations Victorians about the issues that affect them, and then in turn once you have listened you have the opportunity to get the best possible outcome for First Nations Victorians and particularly with a focus on children. We know that every parent wants their child to have the best possible chance in life – to be healthy, to have opportunity, to be able to pursue their dreams and careers. First Nations people in our state are incredibly powerful, incredibly strong and incredibly resilient, but as a nation we have spent far too long telling them what we think is right for them instead of listening. We know that you get better outcomes when you sit down and listen to people, and particularly this is true for First Nations people. The work in turn then needs to be led by First Nations people. This is what the Voice presents us with – an opportunity to listen and an opportunity to make sure Victoria’s First Nations people are heard so that they can then guide their own futures. I think that is something that is well worth supporting. That is why I am proud to stand with my colleagues to say that I will be supporting yes on 14 October and that our government supports the Voice. We also will continue to do the leading work that we are undertaking already here in Victoria to support First Nations people in this state.