The Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) acknowledges the grief felt by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the aftermath of the Voice referendum, which failed to achieve majority support from voters across Australia.
The ALA supported constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the establishment of a Voice.
“We supported the Voice because it provided legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that would have gone beyond symbolism, and allowed for pragmatic change to take place,” said Mr Shaun Marcus, National President, Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).
“We maintain our support for the reforms and aspirations detailed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
“The ALA also remains committed to the advocacy we have undertaken for many years to further justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia in a range of policy areas in all jurisdictions.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should have a say in the laws and policies that affect their lives. We know that our legal system has often failed to adequately represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but we also know that the law can be used effectively to create a more just and equitable society.
“We remain committed to listening and being informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
