Human rights and social justice advocate to break down the Voice in CDU public lecture

Leading human rights and social justice campaigner Professor Tom Calma AO will unpack how a Voice to Parliament would operate, its impact on Australians and more in his inaugural Faculty of Health public lecture at Charles Darwin University (CDU). 

The Voice: A vision for a better future for all Australians will discuss the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ journey to be heard and influence policy and programs affecting them, including why a Voice to Parliament and the executive government are necessary.

Kungarakan and Iwaidja man Professor Calma will discuss disinformation and misinformation amid the Voice to Parliament debate and how meaningful and sustained engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will lead to better health, mental health, aged care outcomes and grow empowerment.

Professor Calma said the lecture would focus on educating the audiences about the processes and technical aspects of the Voice to Parliament.

“It’ll be an opportunity to hear firsthand about what’s being proposed by the government,” Professor Calma said.

“It’ll have a historical lens put over it on what’s come before and particularly around the co-design of the final report and the processes.”

“It will talk about the benefits of the Voice and how it will make a difference with a number of examples of successes that have already been achieved when you include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the construction of public and government policies and the implementation of programs.

“It’s a great opportunity to hear what’s happening at a national level, and it’s an opportunity to ask questions and get clarification on issues people might want to explore.”

Born in Darwin, Professor Calma has been involved in Indigenous affairs at the local, state, national and international level for decades.

He is the current Chancellor of the University of Canberra and was awarded Senior Australian of the Year in 2023.

The Voice: A vision for a better future for all Australians will be held on August 31 at CDU’s Casuarina campus from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.