Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia (GDPSA) welcomes and supports a Voice to Parliament that can represent the diverse voices, needs and aspirations of Indigenous Australians. We believe that this could be a significant step towards empowering Indigenous communities to have a say in the policies and practices that affect their lives, including social and emotional wellbeing and mental health.

We acknowledge the devastating impact that colonisation, dispossession, and discrimination have had on the mental health and wellbeing of Indigenous people, including experiences of trauma, grief, loss, and intergenerational healing. We also recognise the resilience, strength, and wisdom of Indigenous cultures and knowledge systems that can support healing and wellbeing.

We believe that a Voice to Parliament could ensure that the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health needs of Indigenous people are given proper attention, resources, and expertise. It could also facilitate a more holistic, culturally safe, and community-led approach to mental health and wellbeing, which respects Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.

Therefore, Gayaa Dhuwi supports the implementation of a Voice to Parliament that listens to and respects Indigenous perspectives on social and emotional wellbeing and mental health, and works collaboratively with Indigenous communities, organisations, and services to address the challenges and opportunities of this critical area of health and wellbeing.

Media Statement

7 July 2023