ASCA Board Statement to Support the Voice

The board of the Australian Smart Communities Association (ASCA) supports formal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution, and the establishment of the Voice to Parliament.

ASCA's primary aim is to support and foster the development of smart communities where information technology, innovation and data are used to be more efficient, solve problems and create new opportunities for people, businesses and organisations.  A key aspect of a smart community includes 'Increased Citizen Empowerment' which means there are more opportunities for people to participate and build ownership of local issues and more empowerment to come up with their own solutions. 

By establishing a Voice to Parliament the ASCA board believes the opportunities for citizen empowerment for first nations people will be increased which is strongly aligned to goals and purposes of ASCA. Irrespective of the outcome of the referendum, ASCA will continue to embrace the spirt of reconciliation and include first nations perspectives in our programs and thought leadership relating to Smart Communities.