Voice to Parliament referendum

28th June, 2023

Statement from the AICD Board

As the Board of Australia’s leading governance institute we support effective national governance.

Having respectful and trusted relationships with First Nations peoples is widely accepted as a core element of effective governance in Australia.

Supporting the legitimate aspirations of First Nations peoples to have a direct voice in the laws and policies that impact them is a concrete demonstration of our Nation’s commitment to Reconciliation.

That is why the Board of the Australian Institute of Company Directors supports a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament. The upcoming referendum offers an opportunity to take an important step forward to strengthen our national system of governance.

We will continue to encourage everyone to engage in respectful conversations as we seek to come together as a nation in our understanding of the diverse perspectives on this important issue. We respect that some stakeholders including some of our members and employees will hold a different view. Each of us must make our own decisions independently at the ballot box as is our democratic right.

Irrespective of the outcome of the referendum, the AICD will continue to embrace the spirit of Reconciliation and walk with First Nations Australians in a movement towards a better future.