As the national peak body for Australians living with a rare disease, Rare Voices Australia (RVA) is dedicated to driving the best outcomes for Australians living with a rare disease, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were identified as a priority population in the Australian Government’s National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases. While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not necessarily at greater risk of rare diseases, several factors increase the potential impact of rare diseases on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
On Saturday, 14 October 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (the Voice). RVA has published a Statement and welcomes the referendum as it provides Australians with the opportunity to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the Voice. Read the full Statement (PDF).
RVA has always acknowledged the diversity in the rare disease sector and similarly, we understand there will be a diversity of views across peoples and communities concerning the Voice to Parliament. We encourage all stakeholders in the rare disease sector to engage in respectful and informed dialogue regarding all matters, including the Voice to Parliament.
Download the Statement
RVA Statement: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament (PDF)
