Sydney, Australia – 1 September 2023: The Board of the Public Education Foundation (PEF) supports a Yes vote in the upcoming Voice Referendum to be held on 14th October.
Approximately 30% of scholarships awarded by the Public Education Foundation (PEF) are to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and at the August meeting the Board voted unanimously to support the Yes Campaign, issue this statement and provide information to our stakeholders about the Voice Referendum.
The Chair of the Public Education Foundation Board, David Friedlander who is a leading legal practitioner said ‘It is in all our interests to vote Yes on the 14th of October. A Yes vote is about recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution and acknowledging their traditions and culture. This is about government listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in order to make better decisions and policies that affect their lives. The Voice will give advice to government on key issues like education and how it can be improved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The Board recognises the importance of listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – particularly when it comes to education issues – so that we can contribute to closing the gap. Voting on the referendum is entirely a personal choice. PEF urges all Australians to look closely at the issues in doing so on the 14th of October.’
The Public Education Foundation is also very honoured and privileged to have on the board one of Australia’s leading journalists, social commentator, and author Jane Caro AM. Jane is a huge supporter and promoter of public education and recently won the lifetime achievement award at the B&T Women in Media Awards. Jane said ‘The Voice is a fantastic opportunity for us as a nation to really improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in areas like health care, life expectancy, employment but in my opinion above all, in education, which can be the basis of changing lives and closing the gap. This is about listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and bringing our country together. It means that government will get better advice and hopefully deliver better education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders students in our public education system. We can have a say in an outcome that is clearly in all our interest. Please vote Yes.’
This is an exciting time for Australia and a momentous time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The Australian Constitution doesn’t recognise the unique contribution and status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The Voice Referendum provides an opportunity for Australians to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and to ensure they are consulted on laws and policies that affect them. The Public Education Foundation Team will be providing more information in the lead up to the Voice Referendum. In addition, we urge you to visit www.niaa.gov.au and www.voice.gov.au.
David Riordan
CEO Public Education Foundation
For more information please contact:
Paul Somers Tel: 02 7814 2806
Public Education Foundation: http://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au
