Just six Victorian councils have signed to support the Indigenous voice to parliament

Bass Coast is one of a small number of Victorian councils to voice support for an Indigenous voice to Parliament. Read who else has signed.

Bass Coast is only one of a small minority of Victorian councils that have signed their support for an Indigenous Voice to parliament.

Bass Coast Council is one of the seven Victorian councils and one of the 38 Australian councils who have expressed their support for the movement.

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said he was proud to acknowledge the role Indigenous people played in the community.

“We recognise the unique diversity of the First Peoples here in Bass Coast,” he said.

“Council is committed to an ongoing process of reconciliation and community strengthening through building strong organisational and community relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.”

“The Voice to parliament is an important – and overdue – part of our journey towards reconciliation and to building strong and meaningful relationships with the Traditional Owners of the land upon which we live and work.”

The voice would be a body that would provide independent advice to parliament and Government. It would be chosen by First Nations people and be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Empowered communities, a regional leadership group dedicated to closing the gap, said it was crucial for local governments to recognise their role in changing the narrative for Indigenous people.

“Local government and local leaders are vital to building awareness and educating communities about the upcoming referendum, and what a Voice to parliament will mean for Indigenous Australians, non-Indigenous Australians and future generations,” a spokesman said.

They said the voice was important to help shape the future of Indigenous people.

“Our local and regional communities need a say in decisions made about us, so we can take responsibility to tackle the hard issues.

“Whether it is the education of our children, access to healthcare, employment, language rejuvenation and cultural protection, or preventing violence in our communities – our local and regional communities must be empowered to advise parliament on the strongest solutions,” they said.

From the Heart campaigner Thomas Mayo said it was “local community support that will drive a successful referendum campaign, so ensuring communities are properly informed about the proposal is vital. We look forward to the opportunity of partnering with councils on this initiative”.

The Victorian councils who have signed their support are:

• Nillumbik Shire Council
• Banyule City Council
• Bass Coast Shire Council
• Borough of Queenscliffe
• City of Ballarat
• Maribyrnong City Council

The referendum on the issue is expected to be later this year early 2024.