The referendum on whether First Nations people will get a "Voice to Parliament" will be voted on by all Australians on October 14. For First Nations to have a voice in Parliment is just a start and other things which need to be addressed on a Government level would be having treaties, alleviating poverty for First Nation communities, reducing incarceration rates etc.

In saying all this, there is currently a lot of information, awareness campaigns and advertisements going around talking about what "The Voice to Parliament" means for Australians. The ASIAN AUSTRALIAN ALLIANCE (AAA) in collaboration with BLAQ (BlaQ) ( the peak organisation for Aboriginal Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual + Sistergirl and Brotherboy (LGBTQ+SB) Peoples and Communities in NSW), will be holding a panel discussion to talk about "The Voice".

You will hear from speakers who will be frank and provide information to help you make an informed choice when you vote in the referendum on October 14.

As Asian/Asian Australians to support our First Nations and First Nation Asian Australian siblings is crucial in timing as many of them do not have adequate, safe or indeed any resourced platforms that amplifies their vision for a better tomorrow. AAA cedes our spaces and voices in prioritizing the needs of our First Nations siblings, especially First Nations Asian Australian in ensuring their unique voice is heard in our pursuit for justice and human rights as illustrated by the Uluru Statement from the Heart which calls for ‘Voice, Treaty, Truth.’

Join us on this webinar amd have your questions ready!

So who are the panelists for this online event? Let's meet them.

SHANE STURGISS - BlaQ CEO

Shane is an out and proud Gay Aboriginal man with family originating from Gundungurra Land. Raised in Queanbeyan and lived most of his adult life in Newcastle and Sydney. Shane is seen as a specialist in Corporate and Social responsibility with a strong social justice belief.

TE RAINA WATEGO - INDIGENOUS JUSTICE ACTIVIST AND YES 2023 CAMPAIGNER

Te Raina is a proud Tuwharetoa Maori and Chinese woman. Her passion for Indigenous justice started early. Whether by giving an award-winning speech on Maori sovereignty when she was 13 or being part of grassroots First Nations initiatives, she’s been advocating for self-determination from the start. The reason? She likes getting people excited about change and see the world be a better place. Right now, that's #voicetopower, a social media effort to get out the 'Yes' vote on the 2023 Voice Referendum.

JASON WING - ARTIST

Jason Wing is a Sydney-based artist with family originating from Biripi land. Jason strongly identifies with both his Chinese and Aboriginal heritage. Jason began as a street artist and has since expanded his practice to incorporate photomedia, installation and painting. Influenced by his bi-cultural upbringing, Wing explores the ongoing challenges that impact his wider community.

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The webinar will be moderated by Erin Chew and Benjamin Oh from AAA. We hope you can all join us!