Position statement on the Voice to parliament

We are determined to break the cycle of disadvantage in our community to create a fair and brighter future for all children.

SunnyKids supports The Uluru Statement from the Heart, a First Nations Voice to Parliament, enshrined in the Australian Constitution, a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement making and a national process of truth-telling.

We believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be positioned to determine solutions which will help their communities to heal from and address systemic disparities and disadvantage. There are 8,500 (2.4%) of the Sunshine Coast population who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Although this is a small population group, we see an over representation of families accessing SunnyKids services, identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (over 20%), each year.

We believe that for all children to feel safe, belong and have a chance to reach their full potential, we need to work together to understand and embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. We recognise and acknowledge the impact of colonisation and the continued systemic and societal marginalisation experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community.

We are listening to the voices of our First Nations people and will continue to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, sharing and embracing perspectives affirmatively. We are determined to break the cycle of disadvantage in our community to create a fair and brighter future for all children.