A partnership between an organisation representing Indigenous children in out-of-home care and a large care provider offers a glimpse of what policy development might look like if the voice referendum succeeds.
When the chief executive of one the largest foster carer organisations in Australia read the Uluru Statement from the Heart, she was moved by the heartbreaking plea for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
But she wasn't moved to tears, she was moved to action - and now Life Without Barriers has a revolutionary Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and a partnership with SNAICC - a voice for our children.
Indigenous children are more than 10 times likely than their non-Indigenous peers to be in out-of-home care.
Life Without Barriers chief executive Claire Robbs told AAP that, thanks to invaluable input from Indigenous people, they have made the decision to transition all of the First Nations children in their care to Aboriginal community controlled organisations, with the expert assistance of SNAICC.
"There are far too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children coming in to the child protection system," she said.
"And far too many Indigenous children not staying connected to culture.
"With organisations like Life Without Barriers, no matter how much we try to support Aboriginal kids, at the end of the day, we're a mainstream organisation, we're not an Aboriginal controlled organisation.
"And so we just cannot connect these children to culture and kin and community as much as Aboriginal controlled organisations."
Life Without Barriers is one of the not-for-profits that have joined forces with banks, sporting codes, IT and insurance companies, trade unions, educational institutions, and some of the country’s biggest corporations to support a 'yes' vote in the upcoming referendum on a First Nations voice.
The group of more than 65 organisations all have Reconciliation Action Plans, which are voluntary commitments to practical measures to increase economic equity and support First Nations self-determination. .
The organisations include the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Independent Education Union, Public Health Association of Australia, Commonwealth Bank, Good Start Early Learning, Wesfarmers, Fremantle Football Club, National Rugby League, Fujitsu, Origin Energy, Federation University and Transgrid.
Reconciliation Australia chief executive Karen Mundine said the group’s diversity underscores broad support for the voice.
“There are few times in Australian history when such a diverse group of organisations representing some very disparate interests have come together to support a particular goal,” she said.
“Constitutional recognition and a greater say for First Nations peoples have been a central pillar of the reconciliation movement for decades.
“In 2000 our predecessor, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation called for a referendum for constitutional recognition, and stressed the critical importance of a greater First Nations voice in decisions that impact us.
“Twenty-three years later the reconciliation movement, including our RAP partners, are just as certain and just as passionate that these outcomes are central to Australia’s journey of reconciliation.”
Ms Robbs said the day of the referendum later this year will be an important moment in the history of Australia.
"We should not underestimate it and that's why we're going really hard to educate people on the importance of the power that people have with their vote, to use that moment to make a difference in this country," she said.
"It's not OK that so many Aboriginal children are removed from their families and brought into the care system every year and placed in mainstream organisations.
"We need to do better and having a voice in this country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is an absolutely critical ingredient."
Ms Mundine said the decision by Life Without Barriers showed how better policy is developed for Indigenous people when they are heard, much like the principles behind a First Nations voice.
“This RAP includes substantive action that will have a profound impact on the lives of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities for years to come,” she said.
“For the first time it will place power in the hands of those who best understand the strengths of and challenges to our families and children."
Ms Robbs said the partnership is an example of the reform possible in child protection when organisations are genuinely committed to hearing and acting upon the advice from Indigenous people.
“Our commitment to step away from the provision of care is one part of the equation – equally important is our organisation's commitment to advocating for resourcing and investment to be directed into community-controlled organisations,” she said.
“The support of Reconciliation Australia and SNAICC has enabled us to shape our commitment and be on the right side of history."
And it's an example of the sorts of conversations and policy changes a First Nations voice could mean.
"There is a direct connection between our work in reconciliation, our work with Aboriginal communities and children in the child protection system, and our absolute support for the 'yes' campaign," Ms Robbs said.
"What's currently happening for Aboriginal children and families in regards to the child protection system is not working.
"We firmly believe that a big part of that is because the voices of Aboriginal people are not being heard."
SNAICC - National Voice for Our Children chief executive Catherine Liddle said Life Without Barriers' commitments set a precedent for other mainstream organisations working with Indigenous people.
“Closing the gap for our children requires genuine effort from governments and mainstream organisations to transform the way they work with us," Ms Liddle said.
“Life Without Barriers is to be congratulated for having the vision and courage to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations have the solutions and the expertise to know what works for our children and families."
Also on Sunday, the first day of NAIDOC week, Yes 23 will hold a major day of community events in every state and territory.
Co-chair of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition Rachel Perkins, an Arrente and Kalkadoon filmmaker and storyteller, will be attending the Sydney 'Come Together for Yes' event at Prince Alfred Park, Surry Hills.
“These family-friendly community events are perfect opportunities for Australians to gain valuable information about the importance of a successful referendum later this year and learn how to join the 'yes' campaign,” Ms Perkins said.
“The fact we have over 25 events happening across Australia on one day shows the positive community momentum that is building for the 'yes' campaign, and we will look forward to building on this right up until referendum day.”
