Human rights and social justice advocate breaks down the Voice in CDU public lecture

Leading human rights and social justice campaigner Professor Tom Calma AO discussed how a Voice to Parliament would operate, its impact on Australians and more in his inaugural Faculty of Health public lecture at Charles Darwin University (CDU). 

Public lecture The Voice: A vision for a better future for all Australians was held at CDU's Casuarina campus on August 31. 

The lecture explored the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ journey to be heard and influence policy and programs affecting them, including why a Voice to Parliament and the executive government were necessary.

Kungarakan and Iwaidja man Professor Calma discussed disinformation and misinformation amid the Voice to Parliament debate and how meaningful and sustained engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would lead to better health, mental health, aged care outcomes and grow empowerment.

Professor Calma said a key aspect of the lecture was educating the audience about the processes and technical aspects of the Voice to Parliament.

“(It was) an opportunity to hear firsthand about what’s being proposed by the government,” Professor Calma said.

Born in Darwin, Professor Calma has been involved in Indigenous affairs at the local, state, national and international level for decades.

He is the current Chancellor of the University of Canberra and was awarded Senior Australian of the Year in 2023.