Living Positive Victoria supports the YES campaign for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition via a voice to parliament within the Australian constitution.

Living Positive Victoria is a community-based organisation that works to advance the human rights and wellbeing of all people living with HIV.

Living Positive Victoria has long supported the Uluru Statement From The Heart calling for a voice, truth-telling and treaty.

Living Positive Victoria unequivocally supports the ‘Yes’ position in the upcoming referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament (The National Voice).

We support and endorse the Statement from the National Association of People With HIV/AIDS.

 

“We, as people living with HIV, do not control funding decisions at either federal or state level, but many years ago governments made a commitment to our greater and more meaningful involvement in the response to HIV. To this day, our voices have influence at every level of decision-making that affects our lives.  This principle has been core to the success of our country’s world-leading HIV response. We believe that the principle of a National Voice can also be critical to close the gap between First Nations people and Australians from settler and migrant backgrounds. We ask that our members, allies, partners and supporters consider voting “YES” on October 14th.” Richard Keane LPV CEO

 

We know that there are different views among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities about the Voice, and acknowledge the potential for conversations about the referendum to be traumatic for many community members including First Nations mob living with HIV.

If you feel the need to reach out and connect during this time here are some safe and supportive services to call upon:

Lifeline – Crisis Support
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Phone: 13 11 14

Switchboard – Support for LGBTIQ people
Hours: 3 pm to midnight, 7 days a week
Phone: 1800 184 527

Beyond Blue – Support for depression or anxiety
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Phone: 1300 224 636