The economic case for the Voice, as articulated by think tank CEDA
CEDA's CEO Melinda Cilento shares her reflections on the Voice and what it will mean if the referendum fails.
The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) is a supporter of the Voice and has cited economic and social benefits. The think tank's chief executive Melinda Cilento is also the co-chair of Reconciliation Australia. She told Capital Brief why she thinks the Voice is important for the nations economic future.
Can you tell us about the conversations that happened internally at CEDA to arrive at the decision to support the Voice?
As the Committee for Economic Development of Australia we are committed to promoting and advocating for policies that support a strong economy and ensuring that all Australians are enabled to participate in the benefits of a strong economy.
Notwithstanding decades of sustained economic growth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities remain the most disadvantaged in Australia. This is the great divide in Australia. It exists because we have failed to consistently and effectively listen to the experience, expertise and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. This is the conclusion of the Productivity Commission and other policy experts and is a key lesson from my 15 years of involvement in reconciliation.
