Chair of the Lowitja Institute and member of the Voice engagement group Selwyn Button says an Indigenous Voice to parliament won’t hinder this country’s journey towards Treaties.
His comments come as a national week of action for the referendum kicks off, with public figures holding information sessions across the country in the hope of garnering support for the Voice.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese also confirmed the referendum on enshrining the Voice in the constitution will be held between October and December this year.
Some critics fear by enshrining the Voice, sovereignty of First Nations people will be ceded making Treaties impossible, but Button, a Gungarri man from south-west Queensland, says a Voice would create the space within government to ensure Treaty and Truth-telling are done the right way.
Lowitja Institute is Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute named in honour of its Patron, Yankunytjatjara woman, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue.
The Lowitja Institute is a member of the Referendum Engagement Group that brings together more than 60 First Nations leaders and representatives of key organisations from across Australia in support of the referendum.
Listen to the interview with Lowitja Institute Chair, Selwyn Button:
Image: Lowitja Institute Chair, Selwyn Button (Lowitja Institute)