Landscape, Hope Downs, Pilbara Operations

Recognition through a Voice

The proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice aims to add a new clause into the Australian Constitution – the rule book that outlines the structure and powers of Parliament. The proposed change can only be made if the majority of Australian people vote ‘Yes’ through a referendum. A ‘Yes’ vote would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice to Parliament and the Executive Government.

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice would provide permanent representation and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution and give Indigenous communities - at a national, local and regional level - a way to help inform policy and legal decisions that impact their lives.

The history

Indigenous people have been asking for a say in their affairs for more than a century.

In 2017, over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates gathered and issued the Uluru Statement from the Heart to the Australian people. It was the product of a series of regional dialogues held across the country, and represents the largest consensus of First Nations peoples on a proposal for substantive recognition in Australian history.

It was a profound moment of unity in the Indigenous community, and a gift to all Australians who want to work together to find a better future, close the gaps in life outcomes, and, in the words of the Uluru Statement, to reach Makarrata, “a coming together after a struggle”.

The Voice is a direct outcome of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Uluru Statement
Uluru Statement from the Heart - artwork © Christine Brumby, Charmaine Kulitja, Rene Kulitja, Happy Reid /Copyright Agency, 2023

Our position

We support the Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition.

As one of the largest employers of Indigenous Australians and a company that operates on the lands of Indigenous peoples, we have long supported constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians. We backed the ‘Recognise’ campaign in 2015, through to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, to where we stand today, supporting the referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The relationships we have with Indigenous peoples, including the agreements we have with Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate, are a priority for us. This includes a focus on promoting greater recognition and inclusion of Indigenous people in decision-making processes, particularly relating to our mining operations and the impact on Indigenous lands and communities. We are moving to a model of co-management to ensure Indigenous voices are heard as part of our decision making.

We support the principle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples having a greater say in matters that affect them, and we advocate for the rights and heritage of Indigenous peoples on whose land we live and work. In this spirit, we welcome the additional lens that a Voice would bring to Government decision makers as they consider all important matters before them. We are donating A$2 million in support of the “Yes23” campaign.

“Within our own company, we are working hard to build a more inclusive and culturally aware workplace that values Indigenous views and voices, including more than 1,500 Indigenous Australian employees and 46 Indigenous leaders. We are committed to meaningful engagement, trust, mutual benefit, and genuine understanding of Indigenous peoples’ views and interests and believe the people to guide Indigenous policy and practice are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people themselves.

We welcome the additional lens that an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice would bring to Government decision makers as they consider all important matters before them.”

- Kellie Parker, Chief Executive, Australia

Promoting understanding

There will be a diversity of views around the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and it will be up to the Australian people on how they vote in the referendum. We will be actively engaging with our employees to promote understanding and awareness of this important national issue. We are also providing additional support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and contractors during this time.