Trust for Nature supports ‘yes’ vote in Voice referendum
Click to read full statement.
The Board and Executive of Trust for Nature, one of Victoria’s oldest conservation organisations, have endorsed a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on enshrining in the Constitution an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to parliament and government.
In a statement, the organisation strongly supported a Voice to “help to strengthen our partnership in working together to heal and protect Country.”
Corinne Proske, CEO at Trust for Nature, said supporting the Voice was important for the organisation’s conservation work.
“Aboriginal Victorians have cared for Country for thousands of years. To properly restore and safeguard the health of our environment, we must work with the original custodians of the land. Supporting First Nations self-determination is supporting healthy Country.
“The Voice referendum is an historic opportunity for us to grow and move forward as a nation. We all have a stake in the future of this land, and it’s our hope that everyone will participate in the upcoming vote,” Corinne said.
“Trust for Nature is committed to Reconciliation and our support for the Voice is a natural next step in that journey,” said Gayle Austen, Chair of Trust for Nature.
“Our board is proud to be part of an organisation that is walking alongside Aboriginal Victorians and making a significant contribution to land justice. As modern custodians of some of Victoria’s most important conservation land, we have a responsibility to support and enable First Nations’ connections to their Country.”
In 2022 Trust for Nature announced plans to transfer 30,000 ha Neds Corner Station on Ngintait Country and an 8 ha property on Phillip Island, Bunurong Country, to Traditional Owners.
The organisation works with Aboriginal Victorians and Traditional Owner groups across the state, including partnering with Traditional Owner groups to offer accredited conservation training for First Nations students.
Trust for Nature respects the right of all of staff, partners and stakeholders, including landholders, to speak freely and respectfully about their views on the Voice.
Trust for Nature is one of Australia’s oldest conservation organisations, established to protect habitat on private land. It is a non-profit organisation that relies on the generosity of supporters to help protect Victoria’s biodiversity.
Media contacts
James Whitmore, Communications Coordinator Manager, Trust for Nature, 0450 653 811, jamesw@tfn.org.au