National Disability Services (NDS) is proud to support a Voice to Parliament for First Nations People.
We recognise the unbroken and unbreakable connection to the lands of modern Australia of its First Nations people. We recognise their continuing custodianship of those lands.
We strongly believe in our vision for an Australia that embraces diversity and recognises the value and contribution of all.
Our Vision is for an inclusive Australia where all people with disability live safely and equitably. NDS believes in the rights of people with disability to have choice, control and decision-making power over their lives. We support our members to provide culturally appropriate services.
It follows that we also support choice and control for First Nations people and their right to have a say in matters that affect them.
We note that the delivery of services to people with disability is a matter that particularly affects First Nations people. First Nations people are much more likely to experience disability than other Australians and make up a high proportion of NDIS participants (9.4 per cent nationally and close to 50 per cent in some regions).
In accordance with our core organisational values, NDS supports the recognition of First Nations people in the constitution, as well as the practical affect the Voice will have to better inform government policy.
