Martu directors of Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) have determined to support a Yes vote in the referendum on constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament.
Dean Parkin, Campaign Director for Yes23 said: The Yes Campaign welcomes the decision of JYAC directors to formally endorse a ‘Yes’ vote in the coming referendum.
“We understand the directors thought about this decision over a few months; they asked for information from experts and discussed the referendum with their families and communities.
“The support of Martu directors is a good example of how Indigenous organisations across Australia, with their feet on the ground, are stepping forward to say Yes to a Voice to Parliament.
“We see this as a demonstration of the conversations now going on in local communities across the country – where it belongs.”
JYAC Chairperson Simon Franks said he was very pleased directors had taken this decision.
“We’ve discussed the issues and listened to other Indigenous people.
“Having a Voice to Parliament will make sure Indigenous people get a say about government policies and funding that directly affects us, our families and our communities.
“We are asking all Australians to support a Yes vote.
“We want people from the Western Desert and all Indigenous people in remote parts of Australia, to be able to have a say about government policies that affect us. “There should be no decisions being made about us, without us being involved.”