2023 REFERENDUM

14 OCTOBER 2023

Dear team, 

This Saturday 14 October, we will have a referendum on the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution through the establishment of a Voice to Parliament. 

For those who are registered to vote you will be asked to answer the following question: 

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. 

Do you approve this proposed alteration?” 

You will need to respond with a YES or NO.  

CR’s Board of Directors, CEO and the senior leadership team support the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution through the Voice to Parliament and more broadly the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

We support Yes. 

  • We support Yes because we want to see a change in our lifetime on the shared future for our Country. 

  • We support Yes because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People should have a direct say on issues that affect our mob. 

  • We support Yes because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People deserve to be heard.  

We acknowledge that there are many different views out there, and not all our people are supportive of Yes. We would like to make clear that we respect and support all our team, no matter how they choose to vote on Saturday. 

This referendum is important. We encourage everyone to find out as much information as possible, here are some good places to start; 

Referendum 2023 (aec.gov.au) 

https://voice.gov.au/resources 

Voice to Parliament: Here are the key arguments for the Yes and No campaigns | SBS News  

We know the Voice is not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. It is a journey we are on together. We also recognise that the divisive campaign that has been run has caused an increase in racism and cultural load for many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, if you’re struggling reach out to CR’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1300 361 008, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 13YARN 13 92 76, a service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in crisis. 

Please take care of each other during this time. 

Marc Higgins 
CEO 

Katriina Heikkanen
Co-Chair

 

Regardless of the outcome next week, CR will continue with our mission to “Create jobs that care for people and planet.” and to focus on our strategic goals. 

1. AN ABORIGINAL ORGANISATION
We are embedded in Aboriginal ways of being on Country. 

2. INTEGRATION
All business units have a clear place in the CR family. 

3. CULTURE, TRUST, TOGETHERNESS
Our people are thriving in a safe and inclusive environment. 

4. FINANCIAL HEALTH
We have 6 months’ wages in the bank. 

5. SIMPLE GROWTH
We are doing more of what we do well, together

 

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Australia and recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past present and emerging. Together we walk towards healing.

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