Six Lane Cove Councillors Table Notice of Motion Supporting The Voice

    By
    Jacky Barker
    -

    Lane Cove Council’s July Meeting will be held on 20 July 2023.

    Six Councillors have tabled a notice of motion recommending Lane Cove Council affirms its support for constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament

    The Councillors proposing the notice of motion are:

    Councillor Kathy Bryla (Labor)
    Councillor Merri Southwood (Independent)
    Councillor David Roenfeldt (Labor)
    Councillor Andrew Zbik (Labor)
    Councillor Rochelle Flood (Greens)
    Councillor Bridget Kennedy (Independent)

    The above list of councillors is reproduced in the same order as set out in the Lane Cove Council Agenda Papers.

    Councillors are being asked to vote on the following resolution:

     

    That Council:

    1.   Affirms its support for constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people through a Voice to Parliament;

    2.   Affirms its support for the actions proposed in Resolutions 67/2023 and 68/2023;

    3.   Authorises the display of on-line and free promotional materials (consistent with legislative requirements) in support of a Yes vote in the forthcoming referendum on constitutional change to give effect to the Voice to Parliament;

    4.   Endorses the Mayor to authorise any material that requires authorisation, subject to any applicable legal obligations;

    5.   Notes that Council may be required to report and declare any financial assistance provided in accordance with the applicable legislation from time to time; and

    6.   Participates or partners with other LGAs to hold community information events on the referendum.

     

    Lane Cove Council Reconciliation Action Plan

    Lane Cove Council adopted the Lane Cove Council Reconciliation Action Plan in August 2016 (RAP).

    On Page 7 of the RAP, it is noted that in July 2015, Lane Cove Council formally adopted the RECOGNISE network charter and agreed to partner with them in raising awareness of First Australian issues, particularly recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander principles in the Australian Constitution.

    The July 2015 Lane Cove Council Resolution is below:

    In December 2022, Mayor Andrew Zbik joined with 37 Mayors across Australia in a joint statement, Mayors for the Voice to Parliament Public Statement, in support of constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament.

     

     

    Referendum

    There will be a referendum held about a Voice to Parliament sometime between October and December 2023.

    The question to be put to the Australian people at the 2023 referendum will be:

    “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?”

    Constitutional Amendment

    The proposed law that Australians are being asked to approve at the referendum will insert a new section into the Constitution:

    “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.”

    Have Your Say – Be Part of the Process

    Residents can write to Councillors on this agenda item or any issue. If you use the email address – [email protected], your email will go to all councillors.

    The public is invited to attend the public forum of the monthly council meeting in-person or online, commencing at 7:00 pm.
    If you would like to speak at the July Council meeting (in-person or online), register via this online formno later than midnight on Wednesday, 19 July 2023. Even if you do not register by this time, if you attend the Lane Cove Council meeting, Mayor Andrew Zbik always asks if there is anyone who has not registered but would like to speak.

    A Zoom meeting link will be emailed to your nominated email address.

    A time limit of three (3) minutes per public forum address applies.

    Council meetings are live-streamed and viewable via the webcast on this website.

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