Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
On 14 October 2023, Australians will be asked in a referendum whether they agree to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to the Australian Parliament.
The resources below have been compiled to help you to learn more about the Voice and the referendum.
The Voice - Australian Government
Your answer matters - Australian Electoral Commission
National Agreement on Closing the Gap - Closing the Gap
National Indigenous Australians Agency - Australian Government
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (aiatsis.gov.au)
Cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
Increased media commentary, questions and workplace conversations about the referendum can affect the experience of all employees, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, both inside and outside of the workplace. It is important our workplaces continue to be culturally safe environments where everyone feels comfortable, supported, and respected.
Cultural load is the additional workload on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees that is often invisible, unrecognised, or acknowledged.
The extra responsibilities such as educating colleagues on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history or organising cultural events is often invisible and unrecognised and is a key contributor to a culturally unsafe environment. Increased commentary, questions and workplace conversations about the referendum can also cause distress for Aboriginal as well as non-Aboriginal employees.
Cultural load is a key contributor to a culturally unsafe environment. We are all responsible for ensuring our workplaces are safe and should be actively working towards reducing cultural load.
To learn more about ensuring a culturally safe workplace, read the Public Service Commissions' guideline.