WA Primary Health Alliance understands that improved health outcomes are inexorably linked to the right to self-determination, to being treated with respect, and to being protected from discrimination.
As a nation, we are confronted day in, day out by the impact of cultural, social, environmental and physical factors, such as adverse living conditions, low incomes, lack of access to health care, and intergenerational trauma on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This plays out in the most important factor of all, how long people live for, with the average life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women significantly lower than for other Australians, currently 8.6 and 7.8 fewer years, respectively. [1]
These are just some of the compelling reasons why the WA Primary Health Alliance Board supports an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, a sentiment that is echoed by our organisation’s leadership.
By making our position public, we hope to encourage our staff and others to become part of the national conversation on the Voice so they can make well-informed decisions.
This referendum offers the Australian people a once in a generation opportunity to do something simple, yet extremely powerful, to significantly improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by saying “yes”.
Each of the WA Primary Health Alliance Board Directors believes it is time for governments of all persuasions to allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to take the lead on the issues that affect them, and that this will contribute to, and accelerate, the achievement of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Download our Voice to Parliament statement.
Read our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament Position Paper.
[1] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/life-tables-aboriginaland-torres-strait-islander-australians/2015-2017
Protecting the mental health of our community is paramount, regardless of individual views we ask that discussion is respectful.
If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, call 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support worker, or see your local ACCHO, AMS, GP, or social and emotional wellbeing service for mental health support.
If you find yourself in an emergency call triple zero (000) for immediate assistance.