NATSICC hopes for support of YES in referendum

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced 14 October 2023 as the day Australians will be
asked to vote on the ‘Voice’. At this time, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic
Council (NATSICC) wish to reiterate our stance contained within the 2023 Social Justice Statement
Listen, Learn, Love – A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples:

Australians have an opportunity to begin a new chapter this year with the referendum on the Voice to
Parliament. We in NATSICC know there are criticisms, even from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people, but most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people support the referendum.

Just as the churches strongly supported the 1967 referendum, we hope that Catholics, along with
other people of faith, will support the Yes campaign.

We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -