The Federal Elections offer a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our nation, its values, and priorities. At a time when divisive voices are growing louder, it’s more important than ever to come together and support one another, particularly in how we envision Australia’s future with First Nations people.
After many years of journeying alongside First Nations peoples, it’s clear that reconciliation involves voice, truth, treaty, self-determination, justice reinvestment, and closing the gap. However, these efforts are under threat.
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Supporting parties and independents who advocate for reconciliation will be crucial in this election. Find out if your local candidates support reconciliation as defined by First Nations people – voice, truth, treaty, self-determination, justice reinvestment, and closing the gap. Consider how your local group, community organisation, or church can run an event or participate in local candidate forums, asking about their commitment to Indigenous rights and reconciliation.
ANTaR Victoria will be actively providing information about the election. During the campaign we will be able to forward you information from ANTaR National including:
· An Election Report Card on the positions of the parties
· Blogs by First Nation leaders throughout the campaign
· Election focused webinars through the Allies for Uluru network
· Media releases in response to key issues
· Targeted social media and website content updates
ACTION: Write a letter to you local candidate
Help support reconciliation by filling out and sending this letter to your local politician
ANTaR National has produced a proforma letter to assist you, stating:
DATE 2025
Sender name
Postal address] Email: [email address]
Full name of candidate]
Party if applicable]
Postal address] Email: [email address]
Dear [title + candidate surname],
My name is [sender name] and I am a member of the local electorate of [sender Federal electorate]. As you are seeking to be elected to represent our local community in the next Federal Parliament, I am writing to understand your policy approach to the priorities of First Nations peoples.
I am deeply concerned that equality and justice for First Nations communities is being overlooked or strategically ignored in this Federal election campaign and in Australian politics more broadly.
Specifically, I would like to know your position and policy platform commitments on the following:
● Closing the Gap – equity in life outcomes including health, housing, education and employment must be for all Australians. First Nations people hold the solutions to address the needs of their communities. If elected/ re-elected, how would you support Aboriginal community-controlled initiatives to close the gap?
● Justice & Over-incarceration – First Nations people and particularly children are disproportionately impacted by criminal legal systems, are over-policed and over-incarcerated. If elected/ re-elected, how would you advocate for addressing the over-incarceration crisis specifically by raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility in Australia to at least 14 years without exception? Further, what would you do to advocate for better supports and more resources to address family and gendered violence in First Nations communities?
● Cultural Heritage & Country – If elected/ re-elected, what would be your position on protecting Australiaʼs invaluable First Nations cultural heritage particularly when there are competing interests from extractive and other industries? On energy and renewables, how would you work to elevate the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy framework for economic empowerment and a just transition to net zero?
● Voice, Treaty & Truth – Despite the loss of the 2023 Voice Referendum, self-determination and structural reform through First Nations representative bodies, treaties and agreement-making, as well as formal and informal truth-telling processes remain essential. If elected/ re-elected, what would you do to support voice, treaty and truth for First Nations peoples?
I appreciate youresponding to the request prior to the Federal Election on 3 May.
More and more Australians are paying close attention to the priorities of First Nations people and want to understand where candidates and elected representatives stand on these issues. Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Sender name]
Sender ph. number