Information On The Voice Referendum
We at TCBC accept the generous invitation of our First Nations sisters and brothers in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to “walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future”. Our acceptance of the invitation includes a commitment to journey alongside by listening, praying, discussing, and discerning. We share a longing for a more just and equitable future.
This webpage is designed to provide our Church community and the wider community with helpful information and links to resources about the referendum. Different views are presented in various places, including the cases for and against the referendum question. We encourage your prayerful engagement in the process of carefully considering these before you vote.
The referendum will be held on Saturday 14 October. Voters will be asked to vote YES or NO on whether “To alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.”
For the Constitution to be altered, the referendum needs to receive a “double majority” (i.e. more than 50% voting across the nation, and more than 50% in at least 4 of the 6 states).
The proposed addition to the Constitution is as follows.
“In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
(i) there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
(ii) the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
(iii) the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”
https://nswactbaptists.org.au/referendum-resources/
A recent webpage from our Baptist Association. It is recommended as a “first stop” because it contains many of the links below as well as other helpful information. It lists (with links) What Baptist Churches are Doing; What Indigenous People are Saying; Baptist Resources; Official Resources.
https://voice.gov.au/community-toolkit
The Uluru Statement from the Heart; basic information on the Voice; and community engagement resources.
In various languages. From Australian Government.
https://www.julianleeser.com.au/the-voice/
Julian Leeser has put out 21 short videos answering questions on the referendum.
https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/view-the-statement/
The Uluru Statement from the Heart (in various languages); Referendum Council information; and other
resources. From Uluru Dialogue, Indigenous Law centre, University of New South Wales.
The Full Uluru Statement from the Heart
The Uluru Statement from the Heart including Appendix pages with comments from the Dialogues. Released by National Indigenous Australians Agency (a Commonwealth Government agency) under F.O.I. The NIAA website has additional helpful information. www.niaa.gov.au
https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/files/pamphlet/your-official-yes-no-referendum-pamphlet.pdf
“Your official YES/NO referendum pamphlet”. From Australian Electoral Commission, Australian Government.
https://www.baptistmissionaustralia.org/Resources/The-Voice
Resources on the Voice from Baptist Mission Australia. Note especially the dropdown section entitled
“Baptist Mission Australia’s Response” which contains their positional statement in support of the Yes case.
https://ajustcause.org.au/abm-statement-in-support-of-the-uluru-statement/
A statement by the National Council of the Baptist Union of Australia.
https://ajustcause.org.au/first-nations/
Many resources on the Uluru Statement and related issues. Includes Bible studies, lectures, documentaries etc.
Also links to other helpful websites. From A Just Cause (Baptist Ministries Australia/Baptist Union of Australia).
This is an open letter from Tim Costello, a Baptist minister and former CEO of World Vision Australia.
https://thewadrproject.com/the-voice-to-parliament-christian-responses/
A treasure trove of resources divided into For, Uncategorised and Against. Rev Dr Megan Powell du Toit from
TCBC has been instrumental in providing this information as part of the With All Due Respect Project.
https://www.recogniseabetterway.org.au/
This is a website for the No case
A special August issue on the Voice is downloadable for free. One of the articles is entitled “Why Christians
Should Vote No”.
https://www.commongrace.org.au/
Information on various justice issues including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice and the Voice.
From Common Grace.
Events Available In Our Local and Wider Community
Epping Uniting Church
are hosting a forum to help develop an understanding what the Voice means so you will be better informed when you vote on the referendum
Date: Tuesday 26 September 7:00 – 9.00 p.m.
Speakers: –
Ms Brooke Prentis – An Aboriginal Christian Leader, Aboriginal & Education Consultant
Mr Julian Leeser MP – Member for Berowra
Mr Jerome Laxale MP – Member for Bennelong
There will be an opportunity to ask the speakers questions.
If you know of any other events that are happening in our community where people can learn more about the upcoming Referendum on the voice, please contact office@tcbc.org.au
Thornleigh Community Baptist Church
Safe Church Policies and Procedures
The below Policies and Procedures are available in the Church office to view should you wish. Please contact the office between the hours of 9am to 2pm, Monday to Friday for this.
- Safe Church Policy
- Procedure for Staff and Volunteers
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- Procedure for Handling Complaints Against Staff and Volunteers
- Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers
- Baptist Association – Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Baptist Association – Policy for Handling Allegations Against Recognised & Accredited Ministers
- Baptist Association – Procedure for Handling Allegations Against Recognised & Accredited Ministers.
Forms Used in Relation to these Policies and Procedures
- Safe Church Concerns Form
- Safe Ministry Questionnaire (over 18)
- Safe Ministry Questionnairre (under 18)
- Ministry Registration Form – Children
- Ministry Registration Form - Youth
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