Following this morning’s interview on ABC’s RN Drive, Senator Lidia Thorpe wishes to clarify her remarks on what ought to occur in the event of a No outcome in this weekend’s referendum.

The following quotes are attributable to Senator Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman and independent Victorian Senator representing the Blak Sovereign Movement:

“My comments must be taken in the context of my consistent position that Truth and Treaty are the first steps that must be taken to bring peace to this land.” 

“I want to make it clear that I do not support the Voice proposed by the government and no representative body should be established, in any form, unless it is the product of the free prior and informed consent of the First Peoples of this country.” 

“The Blak Sovereign Movement and grassroots mob have been consistent in their rejection of the current proposal for a powerless advisory body enshrined in the colonial constitution.”

“We need an end to the era of powerless advisory bodies, where the role of First Peoples has been to give advice to a colonial government that can and does ignore that advice. Our Sovereign status means that they need to come to our table and negotiate with us.” 

“Recognising First Peoples Sovereignty requires recognition of the over 250 language groups in this country that speak for themselves and each have a right to self-determination as Sovereigns” 

“We have presented a clear way forward for this country to take after this referendum and we encourage everyone, regardless of how they vote, to join us on this journey. It is in everyone’s best interest to look beyond the distraction of the Voice and hold governments accountable for the continued injustices committed against our people and our Country.” 

“Regardless of the outcome, the pathway forward begins with healing, Truth Telling, Treaty, implementing the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and Bringing Them Home report, and implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

Senator Thorpe has outlined a clear way forward for this country to take after this referendum, regardless of the outcome, through:

• Embarking on a journey of healing, truth-telling and treaty for peace in this Country 
• Establishing a Truth-telling process
• Implementing in full all recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and Bringing Them Home report
• Passing Senator Thorpe’s Private Senator’s Bill to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the end of the year.