Statement Supporting the Voice to Parliament

In the spirit of reconciliation Breast Cancer Trials acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Ancestors and Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Breast Cancer Trials supports the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

Each day, approximately five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are diagnosed with cancer, and they are more likely to die from cancer than non-Indigenous Australians.[i]

Breast cancer is the leading cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who are 1.2 times more likely to die from breast cancer than the wider population.

The five-year survival rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with breast cancer is 81% compared to the general population of 92%. In addition, breast screening rates are also lower than non-Indigenous Australians, at 37.3% compared to 53.2%.[ii]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders also have lower participation rates in clinical trials and have a reduced opportunity to participate because of where they live, their type of cancer and general health status.[iii]

These poorer outcomes are the result of a number of factors including social, cultural, geographical, environmental and historic determinants and lead to lower life expectancy and poorer disease outcomes among these communities.

While breast cancer statistics have improved in the last few decades, we have a long way to go before we see equity in health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

For that reason, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities need to be heavily involved in the decision making on matters affecting their health and wellbeing.

This is why Breast Cancer Trials (BCT), the largest independent oncology clinical trials research group in Australia and New Zealand, supports the Voice to Parliament.

Later in 2023, Australians will vote on a proposed law to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The Voice will be a permanent body that makes representations to the Australian Parliament and the Executive Government on legislation and policy of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Voice will:

Give independent advice to Parliament and Government
Be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities
Be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, gender balanced and include youth
Be empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful and culturally informed
Be accountable and transparent
Work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures
Make representations about improving programs and services but will not manage money or deliver services
Not have a veto power

While improving the outcomes for those diagnosed or at risk of breast cancer is a complicated and long process, the Voice to Parliament is one essential step in closing the gap in the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This is a time for all Australians to engage in respectful conversations and make their own decision on whether they will support a Voice to Parliament.

We respect that some stakeholders, including some of our members and employees, will hold a different view than the BCT Board of Directors. We encourage everyone to make their own independent and educated decision, and exercise their democratic right in the referendum later this year.