Words from Russell – Western Health supports First Nations self-determination

Western Health’s Board of Directors has issued the following statement in support of First Nation self-determination, drafted by our Wilim Berrbang team in consultation with Aboriginal staff and members of the Aboriginal community. 

The Western Health Board of Directors acknowledges the Traditional Custodians on the land on which our sites stand. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to healing of country, working towards equity in health outcomes and the ongoing journey of reconciliation. 

The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for a First Nations voice be enshrined into the Constitution of Australia, a step towards self-determination and the real ability for First Nations people to influence decision making when the decision will affect them. 

At Western Health, we are committed to ensuring First Nations people have the right to self-determination during their healthcare journey. We firmly believe in the guiding principle of self-determination, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, people and communities are empowered to own, direct and make decisions in designing, delivering and evaluating Aboriginal health policies, programs and initiatives. 

The road to self-determination and the Uluru Statement from the Heart has not been an easy journey for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It has been a constant fight for justice, truth-telling and for self-determination. Western Health pay our respects to those who have fought and those who continue to fight for these rights. 

Western Health is thoroughly committed to working in partnership with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, volunteers and patients and families. We also recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are culturally diverse and have a range of life experiences, opinions and perspectives. It is vital every Australian who is eligible to vote considers the weight and importance of the question fully and informs themselves of the history and issues that sit behind the referendum. We are sure that differences of opinion can be handled with respect and integrity. We encourage everyone who can to walk alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through this part of their journey, towards long-lasting change.