AICD’s support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart

The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation for all Australians “to walk with our [First Nations] people in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.”

Accepting the invitation extended in the Uluru Statement from the Heart is consistent with the AICD’s mission to strengthen society through world-class governance.

Implementing the call for Voice, Treaty and Truth-telling will strengthen Australian systems of government and governance and mark a practical step towards meaningful reconciliation.

This reflects the principles of good governance that the AICD teaches and promotes.

Respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders is an expectation of contemporary governance practice, relevant to all Australian boards. Our membership includes First Nations directors and governance leaders.

Australia’s national systems of governance are deficient in recognition and respect for First Nations peoples, and in the quality and outcomes of decisions that impact their lives, families and communities. A constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament will provide an enduring mechanism for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to guide and inform laws and policies on matters relevant to them.

As Australia’s leading governance body, we can make a constructive contribution to advancing the Statement from the Heart as a National governance issue.

Our focus will be on education and engagement with members and directors on the Uluru Statement as a governance issue for organisations and the nation.

The AICD respects that amongst our diverse membership there will be a variety of views on nationally significant issues, including the Uluru Statement from the Heart.  

How did AICD arrive at the decision to support the Uluru Statement?

• The AICD Board resolved to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart after careful consideration. As a significant issue, the AICD’s position was determined by the Board.
• The AICD consulted with State and Territory Division Councils, advisory committees, AICD’s wider members (via the Director Sentiment Index) and with First Nations directors and stakeholders as part of its decision-making process.
• We recognise members will have differing views and aim to facilitate constructive discussion, with education and engagement as our focus.
• The AICD will not be telling members how to vote during the referendum campaign. Every voting Australian will determine their own position, based on their individual view.
• The AICD recognises and respects that not all of our members will agree with our view – as with other governance positions advanced by the Institute over the years.
• The AICD welcomes consultation on the terms of the Voice referendum and the national conversation on establishing a Voice to Parliament.