Many allied health, nursing, medical and related groups and organisations are speaking out in support of a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament.
Annie Butler, the Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, recently participated in a #CroakeyLIVE webinar on the Voice, and writes below that it is “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to address healthcare disparities.
Annie Butler writes:
In just over a week’s time Australians will have the opportunity to accept an invitation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to join them in a movement of the Australian people for a better future, which starts with an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
October 14’s historic referendum will put a simple question to the Australian people – do we agree to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in our constitution and finally give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a meaningful say on matters that affect their lives?
Nurses, midwives and carers understand just how important it is for people to have a say, to be involved and to have some control over matters that affect them.
We have witnessed first-hand the health disparities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians, which have persisted for decades, largely because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have not had a say, they have had decisions made for them, not by them.
That’s why, in 2018, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) declared its national support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including embedding a constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
Nurses, midwives and carers rely on evidence and ethics to provide safe, quality, person-centred care. Placing the person at the centre of their care, ensuring they have control over decision making with well-informed support, leads to better outcomes.
We know that if First Nations communities are involved in developing national policies, there will be substantially better health outcomes, especially in rural, regional and remote areas. We also know it will lead to ensuring services are culturally appropriate and tailored to the needs of each Indigenous community.
We see this in practice already. For example, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations that run clinics across Australia delivering safe, quality and culturally safe care. Or Birthing on Country models that empower Indigenous women to have more control over the birth of their babies. Both are shown to be highly effective at improving health outcomes within Aboriginal communities.
A Voice to Parliament can support and promote these types of initiatives to receive the necessary resources and recognition.
Listening matters
The ANMF also understands the importance of being listened to in our own workplaces when it comes to shaping health policy and legislation.
We know all too well what it feels like to be undervalued, unheard, and not have a seat at the table. We know real change only occurs through mobilisation, advocacy, lobbying, and the power of the collective.
Take aged care, for example. For 20 years, the ANMF’s calls to fix the crisis largely fell on deaf ears.
We knew exactly what was needed, we tried to tell everybody who could make change, but there was no formal recognition of our voice, or input. Regrettably, it took a Royal Commission to expose years of declining quality in care and neglect for elderly Australians.
With a change in Government, and the voices of nurses, midwives and carers finally listened to, real reform is underway; highlighted by RN 24/7 legislation and mandated care minutes.
And nurses, midwives and carers are not the only health professionals who understand why an Indigenous Voice to Parliament is so important.
Last week, 125 of Australia’s leading health organisations, including the ANMF, released an open letter in support of the Voice to Parliament. We confidently believe that the proposed Voice will improve government decision-making – and, ultimately, health outcomes.

Make it happen
As we fast approach the referendum, we need to actively consider the health and wellbeing benefits that the Voice to Parliament will deliver.
I encourage you now to think about what kind of Australia you want to live in – one that provides equal opportunity for all?
If your answer is yes, then let’s work to make this happen. Between now and October 14 have five conversations. Talk with your family, friends, colleagues, and community about the importance of the Voice, and the impact it could have. This is an important step along the path to reconciliation, and addressing systemic racism that, sadly, still exists within our society.
A Voice to Parliament represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the healthcare disparities faced by Indigenous Australians and help achieve health equity and justice for all Australians. That’s why I’m voting ‘Yes’.
Because, as a registered nurse, I know the Voice to Parliament will lead to better outcomes. As a unionist it reflects our movement’s values of fairness, justice and solidarity. And, as the Federal Secretary of the ANMF, voting ‘Yes’ is the first step in honouring the ANMF’s commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Together, by writing ‘Yes’ on Saturday, October 14, we can win a political mandate for transformative change that will improve the health of First Nations peoples for generations to come.
• Annie Butler is Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
Read the story with Aboriginal nurse and Yes23 NT campaign coordinator, Georgia Corrie.
See Croakey’s portal on the Voice, compiling articles, resources and statements
Register here to join a #CroakeyLIVE webinar from 5pm AEDT on Monday, 9 October