At its heart, Solar Citizens’ mission is to reduce carbon pollution and build a fairer energy system for all Australians. At the core of those goals are the values of protecting this land’s precious ecosystems, safeguarding our way of life from the impacts of climate change, and building a brighter future for everyone.

To achieve these goals, we must recognise and respect the role that First Nations people have played in protecting Country for at least the last 60,000 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are the original custodians of this land and no one knows better how to protect Country. And importantly, First Nations sovereignty has never been ceded.

It’s up to us, as an organisation that values conservation, fairness and justice, to listen to First Nations wisdom and guidance that’s been passed down and built upon for tens of thousands of years. This is a vital step in achieving our mission.

It’s for this reason that Solar Citizens supports the full Uluru Statement of the Heart, including Voice, Treaty, Truth. At this important moment of Australian history, we encourage you to speak to your loved ones about supporting the Voice to Parliament Referendum and voting “Yes”. 

What is the referendum about? Well, we can’t explain it better than the Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition who say:

This vote will give all Australians the chance to come together and consider a change to our constitution that will honour and celebrate the rights, history, and ongoing relationship of Indigenous Australians with this land. It’s a rare chance to make a major positive impact now and for future generations.

Australia has been considering constitutional recognition for more than 15 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have asked that the form of recognition come through a Voice to Parliament, which will give advice on laws and policies that affect Indigenous people. 

This is what the Australian people are now being asked to decide: Should we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in The Constitution, with a Voice? 

A Voice will provide advice to the Federal Parliament about laws and policies, through a consultative policy making process that delivers meaningful structural change.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know and understand the best way to deliver real and practical change in their communities. When they have a say through a Voice, we can finally start to close the gap that still exists between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians on practical issues like life expectancy, educational outcomes, and employment. 

This is why a “Yes” result is important.

To find out more about the Voice, and to read the full Uluru Statement of the Heart, visit the From the Heart website.