The artwork, ‘THALDIN NUNDILI (Standing Together)’, was created by Wulkuraka Designs – Ailsa Walsh (Davidson). Ailsa is a First Nations Artist – Lardil (Mornington Island, Queensland), Kullilli (Thargominda, Queensland) and Yuggera (Ipswich/Brisbane, Queensland).

Asthma Australia is proud to announce our support for the Voice to Parliament.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have a significant asthma burden in comparison to non-Indigenous Australians, being twice as likely to have asthma and more than twice as likely to die from asthma1. We are committed to addressing these inequities in asthma health outcomes with First Nations Peoples. 

At Asthma Australia, we recognise and respect the holistic concept of health held by First Nations Peoples, which embraces physical, social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing – for both the individual and the community – and which encompasses the importance of connection to land, water, culture, spirituality and ancestry.  

We acknowledge that decisions affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be informed and led by their voices, including how health and wellbeing is defined and addressed.  

Asthma Australia supports the  Uluru Statement from the Heart, including formal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Australian Constitution and establishing the Voice to Parliament. Asthma Australia considers that this recognition presents a tangible opportunity towards true reconciliation. We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, through an approach of learning from, engaging with and working alongside First Nations Peoples, organisations and communities. 

In our own journey towards cultural growth, our Strategic Plan 2022-2024 and Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-2024 emphasise our sincere and authentic commitment to reconciliation. 

Asthma Australia acknowledges the diversity of views across Asthma Australia’s team, the community, governments and policy makers regarding the proposed Voice to Parliament. Voting in the Voice to Parliament referendum is an important personal choice, and we encourage all people to seek the information they need to form their own view.

[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Asthma [Internet]. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020 [cited 2022 May. 25]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/asthma  

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