Following the No vote majority at the October 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum, it is with great disappointment that we pause for reflection.

At ChildFund Australia, we acknowledge the many diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country who stood up boldly advocating for just change. We thank you for leading; to bring Australia along on a journey to constitutional recognition.

This referendum outcome is difficult for many Australians.

ChildFund Australia still remains, and always will be, a supporter of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its vision – voice, treaty and truth-telling.  The diverse and varied debate- albeit it some deeply harmful – has created great momentum unlike anything since May 1967*.

Our values haven’t changed. We stand for listening, learning, respect, and representation now and always. We stand for a better future for children and young people. And we’re here for the next steps, ready when called.

* On 27 May 1967, Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them. 90.77% said YES.