Referendum on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (01 Sep 2023)

Dear Colleagues,

In the lead up to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament referendum which has now been announced to take place on Saturday 14 October, you may have noticed the growing debate taking place across the Country. If you have been following the media coverage it is apparent there is a diversity of views on a Voice to Parliament among Aboriginal people and the broader community.

The debate is expected to intensify over the coming months in the lead up to the referendum, so I think it is timely to provide some guidance and support to all Tasmanian State Service (TSS) employees. It is important that we support and engage in safe, constructive and respectful conversations in our workplaces as we seek clarity and information in the lead up to the referendum.

The lead up to the referendum has the potential to impact the professional and personal lives of Aboriginal employees and there is no doubt in my mind they will find parts of the public commentary and debate distressing. We each have an important role to play to ensure the wellbeing of those we work with, and ensure our workplaces are culturally safe and respectful. This includes not culturally overloading Aboriginal employees by seeking information and advice on The Voice.

Maintaining apolitical workplaces across the Tasmanian State Service

The Tasmanian State Service is entrusted to remain apolitical and continue to perform its functions in an impartial, ethical and professional manner. Therefore, it is not appropriate for any Tasmanian State Service employee to use Tasmanian Government resources, including information technology, to advertise and/or promote information or content related to the forthcoming referendum.

Please refer to your agency’s ICT and Social Media Policy for further direction and advice.

Our commitment

The Tasmanian State Service strives to be a respectful, culturally sensitive, rewarding and a professional workplace for all members of its workforce.

We all have a duty of care to uphold the Tasmanian State Service Principles, to be professional in our work and be respectful in the conversations we participate in. We have a right to be treated with respect and without harassment, bullying, victimisation or discrimination in our workplaces as outlined in the State Service Code of Conduct. Racism of any kind will not be tolerated and is against both Federal and State Discrimination law.

Guidance and support

I am sure you will agree with me that this is an opportune time for us to re-familiarise ourselves with our employment obligations as well as our legal responsibilities under State and Federal Discrimination Law.

If you have any questions, please have a discussion with your manager or an HR Officer in your agency. You may wish to contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support and guidance. Please check your agencies intranet page for your provider.

Members of the TSS Aboriginal Employee Network are reminded they can seek support through the Network. To discuss this further please contact Louise at louise.adams@dpac.tas.gov.au

To ensure we do not culturally overload our Aboriginal colleagues by asking questions or seeking their opinion on the Referendum, if you are seeking to inform your decision, you could refer to Recognition through a Voice (Australian Government) and the Australian Electoral Commission.

I thank you for your support and your commitment to ensure we all work in a safe, respectful and rewarding workplace.

Best wishes

Jenny Gale
Head of the State Service
Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
01 Sep 2023