Collection: Indigenous Voice to Parliament
LGIU Australia/LGIU is committed to providing local government with the knowledge to confidently work with their First Nations communities.
Over the last three and a half years we’ve published numerous briefings looking at Truth Telling, Treaty, the Uluru Statement, local government engagement with First Nations law and culture, and much more. LGIU is committed to supporting the sector, and so we have made these briefings more open, given the critical importance of the issue. We’ll continue to update this series with briefings and case studies to empower local governments as they work with their communities.
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Unpacking common concerns about the Voice
The Prime Minister of Australia recently announced the wording of the proposed amendment and question for the people of Australia for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament to be inserted into the Australian Constitution. This Q&A briefing helps local government fully understand the proposal and its implications.
We have made this briefing fully open in the lead-up to the referendum.
How countries recognise their Indigenous people in their processes of government? Insights for Australia’s Voice to Parliament
This briefing looks at how Scandinavia, South Africa, Canada and New Zealand have made arrangements for the involvement of their Indigenous peoples in their processes of government in an effort to attain insights for Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
Engaged communities for an informed referendum on the Voice to Parliament
With just two weeks to go until the referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, LGIU Australia’s commissioning editor, Merle Zierke, has written this informative article on the Voice and local governments role. Read this free article here.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart: Understanding Local Government’s role
There is an enduring silence in the Constitution when it comes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In 1967, Australia’s Constitution was amended to delete discriminatory references to Aboriginal people, but nothing positive was put in its place – and Torres Strait Islanders have never been mentioned in the Constitution at all. Read this follower briefing here.
Overview of the Indigenous Voice co-design process report: insights for the Voice to Parliament
This briefing provides an overview of the ‘Co-Design Process Final Report’. This co-design process was premised on the then-Australian Government’s commitment to establishing the Voice via legislation and not enshrining it in the Constitution – in contrast to what the Uluru Statement from the Heart called for. Here’s where everything stands today. Read this follower briefing here.
Truth Telling: What is it, and what role can local government play?
The purpose of this policy briefing is to focus on the third key element in the Uluru Statement: Truth Telling. This briefing provides an overview of what it is and why it’s necessary. It also provides an update on what is happening in Victoria and the Northern Territory, and what we can learn from this. Read this follower briefing here.
Treaty: What is it? Why Australia needs it? What’s happening around Australia? How will they effect local government?
Since election night in May 2022, the Prime Minister of Australia has been very clear in his government’s commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart, but what does this treaty mean in practice and what impact can it have on local government and its communities? Read this follower briefing here.
Law, culture and local government engagement with indigenous communities
In this opinion piece, Dr Ed Wensing reflects on the lessons for local governments from the recent destruction of the historic rock shelters at Juukan Gorge and argues that local government needs to be more aware of Indigenous peoples’ rights and interests, regardless of how well the law currently provides protection. Read this follower briefing here.
First Nations Voice to Parliament Referendum Question details released
Recently, the Australian Prime Minister announced the wording of the referendum question and draft constitutional amendment for the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. This briefing outlines the details and the wider implications. Read here.
Global Local: Indigenous issues
This edition of Global Local looks at the issues facing Indigenous peoples around the world and how local governments can help better support and represent these communities. Read the newsletter here.
What the 2023 National General Assembly tells us about local government in Australia and beyond
Taking place over 4 days in June 2023, LGIU Australia was honoured to attend and contribute to the 29th National General Assembly with our CEO Jonathan-Carr West speaking on the first panel on the Future of Local Government. Read here.
