Odyssey House NSW recognises, respects and values the deep and continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to land, water, community and culture. We support action to address the structural and systemic factors which drive the gaps between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians in life expectancy, infant mortality, health, housing, education and employment outcomes.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made the reasonable request to be listened to about their own issues and propose their own solutions. The Uluru Statement from the Heart seeks constitutional reform to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – the upcoming referendum provides the opportunity to realise this aspiration by providing recognition in the Constitution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of Australia and establishing the Voice to Parliament as an advisory body that gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say on matters that directly affect them.
Odyssey House listened to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when we established our Mingu Yabun program, a specialised service that combines western treatment with Indigenous practices to provide culturally appropriate support. We have long known that when we listen to people about the decisions that affect them, we get better results. We support recognition in the Constitution by establishing the Voice, to inform decisions that improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
