In the climate change space, we know it takes courage to seek information and educate ourselves on a complex topic, especially one generating widespread and heated debate. We know, too, that these are often the most urgent topics that we, as a society, need to address.
A First Nations Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution is a key element of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and this change to the Constitution requires a referendum. With the referendum approaching, we’ve compiled some resources we at PSC have collectively referred to, to inform and educate ourselves.
This is a critical and historic time, and we know that First Nations justice is crucial to climate justice. PSC unequivocally supports a YES vote. We have compiled these resources to aid the circulation of fact-checked, researched information to support others in making their decision.
Resources
University of Melbourne resources include Voicefacts, a page of short videos offering clear and concise information to help Australians make an informed decision on the Voice.
Referendum Council resources include the Final Report of the Referendum Council, handed down in June 2017.
Uluru Statement from the Heart : view or download the Statement (it’s one page!) or watch Professor Megan Davis, member of the Referendum Council, read the Uluru Statement from the Heart on the floor of the First Nations Constitutional Convention. Here you’ll also find an explanation of the Voice and see the exact wording of the change you’ll be asked to vote on in the Referendum.
UNSW Indigenous Law Centre: Vote with reason, not in ignorance
Guardian Australia: fact-check annotations of the YES and NO campaign pamphlets
Australian Electoral Commission – here you can read the Australian Constitution, learn more about referendums, and see the exact wording that you’ll be asked to vote YES or No to.
The Voice to Parliament Handbook, by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O’Brien, Hardie Grant Explore, 2023. explains the background to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and what a Voice to Parliament entails, in a short, affordable and very easy to read book.
Support for mental health and wellbeing
If discussion of the Voice is affecting your mental health and wellbeing, there is support available.
The Department of Health and Aged Care lists many free mental health and wellbeing services available to First Nations peoples.
Other organisations offering support for mental health to First Nations peoples are Black Dog Institute, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association and Indigenous Allied Health Australia
We also have a directory of practitioners. PSC’s area of focus is emotional distress related to climate change, and practitioners listed in our directory are there because awareness of the emotional effects of climate change is one facet of their skills and experience. Check individual practitioners for their suitability to your individual needs.
