‘YES’ to the Voice to Parliament

The Professional Historians Association (Victoria & Tasmania) wishes to publicly support voting 'Yes' in the forthcoming Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.

On 26 April 2021 the PHA (Vic & Tas) urged the government to move forward with the recommendations of the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’. The first of these was the creation of a 'Voice to Parliament' enshrined in the Australian Constitution which requires a referendum.

As historians we are aware of the numerous times since the start of colonisation that Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples have called on government authorities and non-Indigenous Australians to respect their sovereign rights, and how they have been ignored. We believe we need to listen and pay true heed to the inherent rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including acknowledging their divergent views on this issue.

We know that the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ is not just about the Voice, but also about Treaty and Truth-telling. Beyond the referendum, much work will still be required to ensure the differing needs and requests of communities are met. We are aware of our own profession’s role in silencing and ignoring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We have encouraged our members to add their name to the ‘History is Calling’ open letter, while acknowledging the right of members to have their own independent views on this matter.

Dr Sophie Couchman
President, on behalf of
PHA (Vic & Tas) Committee of Management and the Advocacy Sub Committee