30/08/2023
The Australian Publishers Association (APA) supports the Voice to Parliament. We respect the efforts by Australian First Nations People for recognition and representation. We accept the invitation offered in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk together towards reconciliation by supporting a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament.
Operating on the lands of the Gadigal people, the APA acknowledges that our colleagues and members live, work, and publish on Indigenous lands throughout Australia. We honour all Elders, past and present, from across the nation.
As publishers, we work with authors, researchers, and illustrators to shape and reflect Australian culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including as creators and custodians of stories, make a unique contribution to Australian life and identity. Accordingly, publishers have a responsibility to amplify First Nations perspectives, creators and content. There is still work to be done to ensure equity for First Nations People, in publishing and in wider society, and we are committed to providing opportunities that support positive change.
As an industry committed to the publication and circulation of quality information, we recognise the importance to Australian democracy of informed discussion about the Voice to Parliament. With over 200 member companies and 4,000 staff, we understand that differing views on this proposal exist. Consultation was central to our decision-making on this significant issue, and we advocate for respectful and informed debate.
Further resources
We understand that the forthcoming referendum may be a difficult time for some of our staff and colleagues as the public debate intensifies. We’d ask our members to be aware of this, and to offer support where appropriate. The APA has a list of resources available to support general mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, which may be useful to review.
For more information on the referendum, visit the official Voice website, or the following sites:
Publications by members: