The Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) has provided directions to help us uphold our obligations as public sector employees in the lead-up to the Voice referendum later this year.
The Voice referendum will ask voters to approve an alteration to the Australian Constitution, creating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to represent Indigenous Australians to the parliament and federal government on matters of Indigenous affairs.
The Victorian Government’s position on the Voice
The Victorian Government is a signatory to a National Cabinet Statement of Intent and has agreed to ‘support a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament’. However, public sector organisations like ours have been directed not to adopt their own position on the referendum. Doing so would compromise the apolitical and professional nature of the public sector.
Monash Health’s position on the Voice
In line with the VPSC directions, Monash Health is unable to adopt a ‘Yes’ (or ‘No’) position for the organisation or advocate for employees to vote a particular way.
We understand this will be disappointing for some and the referendum may be an emotional and challenging time for some employees and their families. Our focus, as always, will be on ensuring we provide a safe workplace for all employees, including a culturally safe workplace for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees.
What you need to know as a public-sector employee
As a Monash Health employee, you are a public sector employee. You may participate in the referendum process and express your personal values or moral choices in a private capacity. However, at all times, we must adhere to the Victorian public sector values and Code of Conduct, including the requirements to:
- be apolitical
- avoid conflicts of interest
- avoid damage to Monash Health or the public sector’s reputation
- promote an environment that encourages respect.
This means that while we may have personal views on the referendum, in expressing these views publicly, we still need to comply with our public sector obligations either in or outside the workplace.
In practical terms, this means that you can support campaigns and engage in social media activity but, in doing so, must uphold the public sector values and ensure that;
- it is clear that you are expressing your own views, and
- your engagement does not conflict with the circumstances of your role.
You cannot engage in campaign activities within the workplace or wear or display any campaign materials in the context of work. However, it is acceptable to continue wearing materials demonstrating support for First Nations staff without expressing a position on the Voice Referendum.
Above all, we should demonstrate the public sector value of respect. This means that racism or any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.
You should be particularly aware of not causing any distress by the way in which you reference this referendum with your colleagues, and members of the community that you come into contact within the course of your work. You should not assume that others will vote the same as you, or that you understand why someone may vote differently.
Frequently asked questions
You are encouraged to inform yourself about the subject matter of this referendum, so that you can form a view and if eligible, vote, in the referendum.
The VPSC directions include many FAQs, which you are encouraged to read. Here are some we are keen to highlight:
Can I adopt a ‘Yes’ position for the organisation, or otherwise encourage employees to vote a particular way?
No. You must uphold the apolitical and professional nature of the public sector. The fact that the Victorian Government has signalled its intent to support the Voice does not mean that the public sector, or specific entities within the public sector, can adopt their own positions on the referendum.
What can and can’t I do in a workplace context?
This referendum is a sensitive topic, with deep personal meaning for many people. You should be particularly aware of not causing any distress by the way in which you reference this referendum with your colleagues, other public sector employees, and members of the Victorian community that you come into contact within the course of your work. You should not assume that others will vote the same as you, or that you understand why someone may vote differently.
All of the Code of Conduct and legislated obligations apply to any behaviour in a workplace context. In the workplace it’s particularly important that your conduct does not affect, or appear to affect, the apolitical nature of the public sector.
You should not engage in any campaign activities within the workplace, such as holding events which seek to encourage your colleagues to vote a particular way in the referendum.
You should not wear or display any campaign material in the workplace. You can, however, continue to wear materials that demonstrate support for First Nations staff without expressing a position on the Voice Referendum (e.g. lanyards and badges with the Aboriginal flag). You must also not use any work resources to support any campaign except if you are working by express direction on the Victorian Government’s position.
Above all, this is a time to be thoughtful and respectful towards your colleagues, and in particular your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander colleagues.
Can I engage publicly with the referendum in my personal life, e.g. social media activity, or if supporting a campaign?
Yes. However, at all times you are bound by the Victorian public sector values and Code of Conduct, which means you need to take care in any public engagement
You should familiarise yourself with all relevant aspects of the public sector values and Code of Conduct. Some to be particularly aware of include the requirements to:
-
- be apolitical
-
- avoid conflicts of interest
-
- avoid damage to your employer or the public sector’s reputation and the public’s trust in how you do your job
-
- promote an environment that encourages respect.
If you engage in discussion about the referendum you should make sure it is clear that you are expressing your own views, and that your engagement does not conflict with the particular circumstances of your public sector role.
Can I ask Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peers for their opinions about the referendum?
You are encouraged to do your own research to form your own position on the referendum.
If you would like to engage with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peers on this topic, you should be mindful and respectful of the likely mental, emotional and cultural load Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people will be experiencing in the lead up to the referendum.
You should not expect Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to provide their opinion to inform, challenge, or solidify your position. Be aware that, as with any group of people, First Nations communities are made up of a vast range of diverse perspectives, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people should never be expected to speak on behalf of their whole community.
Where can I get support?
The referendum may be an emotional and challenging event for some employees and their families.
Employees experiencing personal distress are encouraged to speak with their managers, human resources department or employee assistance programs.
First Nations employees can also access specialised support, including:
- Yarning SafeNStrong –Yarning SafeNStrong is a free and confidential counselling service provided by the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples. You can contact Yarning SafeNStrong by visiting their website or calling 1800 959 563.
- 13YARN – 13YARN is a national crisis support line for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island Peoples who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. You can contact 13Yarn by visiting their website or call 13 92 76
Our First Nations employees are encouraged to make contact with the Employee Assistance Program if they are having difficulties at this or any other time.
To make a booking visit the Converge International website. For further enquiries please call Converge International on 1300 687 327 or email Converge International.