PHA (Vic & Tas) supports the PHA's statement on 'Yes' to the Voice to Parliament

Professional Historians Australia wishes to publicly support voting 'Yes' in the forthcoming Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.

As professional 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. Professional Historians Australia looks forward to playing what role it can in supporting and engaging with these endeavours.

While acknowledging the right of our members to have their own independent views on this matter, support for a ‘Yes’ vote, support for fulfilling the recommendations outlined in the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ and Truth-telling are in-line with and reflect the values and ethos of our association.

We urge all Australians to listen, think and learn about the significance of this upcoming referendum.

‘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

CALL TO ACTION: PHA (Vic & Tas) Submission to Uluru Statement from the Heart

Update (30/4/21) : The Advocacy Sub Committee received valuable feedback from members concerning the PHA (Vic & Tas) submission paper. We have revised our submission in response to this feedback. We acknowledge that this statement does not represent the views of all of our members.

The PHA (Vic & Tas) Advocacy Sub Committee has prepared a submission outlining our support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution. You can read our statement here.

Members are encouraged to consider making their own submission, there is ample guidance online including the support kit and the Interim Voice report.

Submissions are due this Friday 30 April 2021 and should be lodged via this web link: https://haveyoursay.voice.niaa.gov.au/

With thanks to the Advocacy Sub Committee: Michelle Blake, Lucy Bracey, Donna Fearne, Sonia Jennings and Elizabeth Offer and all those who responded to our call for feedback.

Kimberley Meagher, President