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Dialysis patient Rosie paints while spending time at the Purple House. Photo: Emma Murray/Caritas Australia

Stand with First Australians

We believe every person has a right to participate in the decisions that affect them. Too often, First Australians are denied this right.

What have we done to promote subsidiarity for First Australians?

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

We have put together a statement outlining why we support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, after listening to our First Australian partners. You can read or download the statement here.

“By enshrining a Voice in the Constitution, we as a community will take another step towards the full realisation of human dignity and unity for all Australians.” – Caritas Australia (2023)

 

Joint Statement on Subsidiarity

We worked with our First Australian partners to produce a Joint Statement on Subsidiarity. You can read or download the statement here.

"Self-determination, pride and self-respect are the banks of the river through which the waters of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life flows." - NATSICC (2016)

 

Uluru Statement from the Heart

We're proud to support the landmark Uluru Statement from the Heart. You can read or listen to the statement here. 

"When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish." - Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017)

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Loretta George, Chair of Djilpin Arts, Caritas Australia partner organisation. Photo credit: Cassandra Hill.

Want to learn more?

Here are a few suggested links, programs and books we recommend you check out if you want to learn more about First Australians' history:

TV

  • The Dreaming - SBS Animated series
  • Dust Echoes - ABC TV and Djilpin Arts series
  • First Australians - SBS Documentary
  • First Footprints - SBS Documentary

Books

  • Why Weren't We Told - Henry Reynolds
  • The Other Side of the Frontier - Henry Reynolds
  • Blood on the Wattle - Bruce Elder
  • Forgotten Rebels: Black Australians who Fought Back - David Lowe
  • One Blood - John Harris
  • Invasion to Embassy - Heather Goodall

Online

What can you do?

Take a stand alongside First Australians. Sign up to our mailing list to find out about upcoming events and advocacy actions you can get involved in.

*Subsidiarity means allowing the people who will be most affected by certain decisions to have a say in making those decisions. The principle of subsidiarity is part of Catholic Social Teaching, which guides everything that we do.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains images and names of people who have since passed away.