Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation throws its support behind Yes campaign in Voice referendum

Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation has thrown its full support behind the Yes campaign for the Voice to Parliament, with the referendum likely to take place in a matter of months. The group’s formal support for the Yes vote follows a visit to Albany by Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney. During her visit, Ms Burney met representatives of Aboriginal organisations, including WKSNAC, hosted a Voice community forum alongside Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens and met elders and community members. WKSNAC is the recognised voice for Wagyl Laip Southern Noongar people in areas of government, business and community and was formed in 2021 after its endorsement by the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar agreement group. WKSNAC will hold forums for its members and the community to discuss the Voice to Parliament and its impact on the Great Southern. WKSNAC chair Jeanice Krakouer said the corporation had recognised that “having a genuine voice in government decisions is essential for improving outcomes and closing the gaps”. “The (South West Native Title Settlement) is already providing the structures and resources to enable this at the grassroots level,” she said. “We are now ready to support a national Voice to Parliament to continue towards equality and self-determination for all First Nations peoples. “We will encourage our members to ask questions and learn more about the Voice, but more importantly to speak up and make sure they’re enrolled to vote before this historic referendum.”