The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is calling for Indigenous self-determination and independence from Government in its submission to the Indigenous Voice co-design process.
The AHRC said providing greater control to First Nations peoples over decisions that affect them was strongly connected to positive wellbeing outcomes and could significantly help address challenges within communities.
“A model for the Voice that enables self-determination is therefore critical for promoting strong and safe communities, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are better able to transcend challenges and cycles of powerlessness,” the AHRC said.
“This approach is supported by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions,” it said.
“The Commission’s submission to the co-design process recommends that guidance be drawn from both these documents.”
The AHRC said its submission detailed a list of principles to help guide the operation of the Voice and ensure its credibility and effectiveness.
It said this included that the Indigenous Voice have a broad mandate; a mandate to submit to the Government, Parliament and any other competent body, opinions, recommendations, proposals and reports on matters concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; the capacity to independently publicise views and reports; and processes for selecting representatives that reflect the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It said its submission also provided recommendations for mechanisms to give effect to the principles of self-determination, independence and effective representation for First Nations peoples.
The AHRC’s 17-page submission to the Indigenous Voice co-design process can be downloaded at this PS News link.
