Statement on the Voice to Parliament

A statement on behalf of the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network on the proposed referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network seeks to achieve better health and wellbeing for all in our community. We commit to providing ongoing support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve equality and end the health disparities they continue to experience throughout their lives.

We recognise the continuing rich culture and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, despite the trauma of colonisation, dispossession, and discrimination. The impacts of this trauma have led to unacceptable inequalities and health disparities that must be addressed.

We walk beside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of our region in advocating for social change that achieves equity and better health and wellbeing. We acknowledge the need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have greater involvement in decision making which directly impacts their lives.

Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network commits to supporting our community to access reliable information, which will empower them to make their own, informed decision for the referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

Further information and support

We encourage you to visit the voice.gov.au to find comprehensive information including a Voice Information Booklet and a Community Toolkit.

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet have launched a portal that brings together a collection of resources aimed at supporting and reducing social and emotional harms to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the period prior and post the Voice referendum https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/learn/special-topics/voice-referendum-social-emotional-wellbeing-resources/

We know that debate about the referendum may cause distress and we recommend contacting the following services for support:

• Head to Health phone line for free mental health advice and support: 1800 595 212
• Social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are available at: wellmob.org.au
• For local service providers and health professionals based on your eligibility: headstart.org.au/central-and-eastern-sydney
• 13 Yarn (13 92 76)
• Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799)
• Lifeline (13 11 14)
• Kids helpline (1800 55 1800)

These resources will be updated as further information and supports become available.