Parks and Leisure Australia is the peak body representing professionals across Australia who work, play, study, and promote the importance and value of Parks and Leisure. As professionals in this field, we recognise the rich and unique 65,000 year history of continuous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural connection to the land and sea. PLA supports the Referendum process to consider the Constitutional Recognition of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians, and recognise and respect the importance of representatives of their communities having a voice on matters and policies affecting their peoples.

PLA also acknowledges and supports that it is a fundamental right to vote and participate in any decision that shape our collective future. As Australians consider the issue of constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we acknowledge the importance of the ongoing discussions around the Uluru Statement and the proposal for an indigenous Voice to Parliament. We encourage everyone to be informed on this matter and exercise their democratic rights by engaging in respectful and informed discussions, and casting their votes when the time comes.

PLA remains committed to promoting awareness and understanding of important issues, including constitutional recognition and reconciliation. Let us move forward together, acknowledging the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of Australia, while working towards a united and inclusive future for all "People behind the Places."

For more information, please see the following references:

PLA Statement of Commitment - https://www.parksleisure.com.au/Site/news/latest/Statement-of-commitment.aspx

Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum - https://www.abc.net.au/news/voice-to-parliament-referendum

What is the Uluru Statement from the Heart - https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/

What is The Voice (Australian government website) - https://voice.gov.au/

Learn about referendum - https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/

Congratulations to the 2023 National Awards of Excellence Finalists for the Park of the Year Award. We wish you the best of luck on this exciting journey and look forward to celebrating your achievements at the National Awards of Excellence Gala on the 24th October 2023. Visit here for more information: https://www.jointinternationalcongress.com/awards-gala