Statement of support for the Voice to Parliament

University Art Museums Australia (UAMA) unequivocally supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart and endorses the proposal to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution.

The Voice process is a significant acknowledgment of the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of these lands and waters.

Central to our commitment is the recognition of the inalienable right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to actively participate in decision-making processes that have a direct impact on their daily lives, and from which they have historically been excluded.

The Uluru Statement calls for future federal governments to actively seek the input and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on matters that concern them. It will foster a shared understanding, vision, and partnership on vital issues affecting Indigenous communities, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of government actions. This, in turn, will benefit all Australians.

In keeping with our organisational commitment to contribute to Australia’s cultural and intellectual life, UAMA encourages everyone to seek the information they need to form their own views on the referendum and make an informed decision on how they will vote.

What is UAMA?
Established in 2008, University Art Museums Australia (UAMA) is a membership organisation driving advocacy and research to enrich communities, build networks and contribute to the nation’s cultural and intellectual life. UAMA represents professionally run art museums and galleries in the university sector that are responsible for university owned art collections. The agreed objectives of University Art Museums Australia are:

Research, promote and advocate on behalf of the Australian university art museum sector;
• Facilitate an exchange of ideas, information, exhibitions and staff; and occasional seminars, conferences and forums, which develop and promote the university art museum sector and build strategic links with individuals and organisations;
• Demonstrate best practice/professional standards for the sector; and
• Contribute to the public understanding of the significance of university art museums to the broader Australian museums sector.

For media enquiries contact Angela Goddard, Chair, University Art Museums Australia, 0401 600 940 or a.goddard@griffith.edu.au