EMPHN joined many leading health organisations throughout Victoria yesterday to declare our support for the Voice. Results from a survey of 1600 health workers, undertaken by VACCHO, indicated that "80% believed that health and wellbeing outcomes would be improved if Aboriginal people had more involvement in developing health policy". Read more about the results of the survey and about the media event on the VACCHO website.
Health Sector for the Voice declaration
As leaders in health throughout Victoria, we declare our support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
On a daily basis, we see the outcomes achieved when we involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in making decisions about their health. In our regions, we know the benefits of involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when designing new health services. Across Victoria, we have long understood how health policy is improved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are around the table working with us.
The Voice will connect the communities we serve with the national government making decisions. Health professionals feel the impact that policies about children and families, about education and housing, about jobs and transport, have on the wellbeing of people. The Voice will be able to represent the distinct experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to inform policy in all of these areas, leading to significant improvements to health and wellbeing.
The Voice is an opportunity to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of Australia. The Voice is an opportunity to respect the role that they have had in living on and caring for this country. The Voice is an opportunity to bring forth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to become a visible part of Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Australia will feel the health and wellbeing benefits of being recognised, respected and valued.
The Voice is a chance to gain 60,000 years of wisdom that will enhance our understanding of health and wellbeing, and advance how we care for all people in Australia.
As leaders in health, we believe the Voice will make a difference and hope Australia votes YES.
View the full declaration by the health sector.