Headspace Batemans Bay - 28 March 2023

Dianah Riley and Paul Spooner from headspace Batemans Bay presented to Council at the Public Access Session on 28 March 2023.

Download the headspace Batemans Bay presentation here (101.7 KB)

Council's reply

Question 1

To support local people's understanding of the referendum question, would Council consider undertaking a series of community information sessions on the Voice Referendum? Ideally, these sessions should be presented by First Nation's people with an understanding of the invitation that was provided to the Australian people by the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Response

Council has contacted the Federal government's National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), seeking advice on whether a consistent suite of information and resources will be provided to communities across Australia regarding the Voice, for distribution via libraries and/or community events and information sessions. The reason for taking this approach is to ensure any information provided is consistent and accurate, given the risk of misinformation.

The NIAA has advised that they have no current plans to provide any community information sessions, however as the referendum date approaches an independent/neutral provider may be engaged to provide information to community. Council has offered its library facilities as possible venues for such sessions, if this occurs, and encouraged the agency to consider establishing sessions in our community.

Question 2

To support local people's engagement with the referendum question, would Council consider providing information about the Uluru Statement from the Heart on Council's website? Ideally, the information provided on the website would reference respected sources such as the 'Uluru Statement' web page from the Indigenous Law Centre at the University of NSW and the 'Uluru Statement: a quick guide' available from the Australian Parliamentary Library. Version: 1, Version Date: 31/03/2023 Document Set ID: 5089641.

Response

Council will establish a webpage regarding the Voice, with links to key government websites. This will include links to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, reputable and official sites and any further information and links provided by the Federal government.

In addition, the matter will be raised at our next Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting, including advice that you have raised the issue at Public Access.

Question 3

To promote the health and well-being of First Nation's people, would Council consider passing a motion in support of the First Nation's Voice referendum question.

Response

There are no Council reports currently scheduled regarding the Voice. However, this may change as awareness grows and further information and activities occur in the lead up to the referendum.