We recognise that the transition to clean energy depends on working collaboratively and constructively with Traditional Owners of the land on which many renewable projects will be housed. We also acknowledge the opportunity, through these projects, to address injustice and inequity by recognising the wisdom of the world’s oldest continuous culture, and ensuring that expertise, opportunity and justice are enabled through dialogue, economic opportunity and service provision.
The Voice is a generous invitation to walk with First Nations peoples towards a shared future that genuinely incorporates the wisdom, experience and expertise of the oldest continuing culture on the planet. Fundamentally we are being asked a very simple question: should Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the right to speak to the Parliament and Executive Government about matters that affect them? We have a part to play and an important opportunity to be part of the journey to healing, reconciliation, recognition and equity.
The Clean Energy Council is dedicated to embedding key principles outlined in the First Nations Clean Energy Network (FNCEN) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Best Practice Principles for Clean Energy Projects – respectful engagement, clear, accurate and accessible communication, the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, country and environment, economic and social benefit sharing, land stewardship, and cultural competency.
To show our support for a ‘Yes’ vote in the Voice referendum on 14 October 2023, we have released a statement and media release. We have also invited our staff and members to march in the Walk for Yes rallies to be held across Australia on 17 September.
We support and encourage our staff, members and stakeholders to listen, reflect, sit with discomfort and investigate our own biases and assumptions. We pledge to uphold the principles of the Respectful Referendum Guidelines. We challenge ourselves and others to take this question seriously, reaching an informed decision that we can own and be proud of when we discuss it with our children and grandchildren in years to come.
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