The Australian Fashion Council (AFC), Country Road and Clothing the Gaps are calling on the fashion industry to publicly pledge their support to the Yes vote for the Voice to Parliament referendum.
According to the Australian Government, the Voice is a constitutional change that will give First Nations people an independent advisory body in the Federal government.
The call out comes following a virtual panel hosted by Cox Inall Ridgeway director Yatu Widders-Hunt, and joined by Country Road managing director Elle Roseby, Clothing the Gaps founder Laura Thompson and filmmaker Rachel Perkins.
In response to brands hesitating to share support due to fear of negative feedback, Roseby said there will always be differing opinions both in-store and online.
“But you have to put it in perspective: the number of people who are embracing the conversation and being informed by it, and the very small amount of negative comments,” Roseby said.
“We make sure our teams feel supported and safe, and while we encourage constructive dialogue, we do not tolerate disrespectful or discriminatory commentary on our platforms. And I think that shows great leadership.
“You have to be brave in what you believe in as a brand.”
Thompson urged every brand and designer to look at their past approaches to First Nations people.
"If you have a Reconciliation Action Plan, if you have a social responsibility statement, if you celebrate NAIDOC Week and you’re not doing anything to support the Voice to Parliament, ask yourself why."
Meanwhile, Widders-Hunt said the Voice is an opportunity for the fashion industry to drive inclusivity.
“The Uluru Statement from the Heart was an invitation that was issued to all Australians - that includes business and industry,” Widders-Hunt said. “By accepting this invitation we are responding to a call directly from First Nations people.
“With over 80% support for a Voice to Parliament within First Nations communities, this is genuinely a moment where we can all walk together.”
According to AFC CEO Leila Naja Hibri, this issue is not about politics, but about human rights and social justice.
She said this is the fashion industry’s change to prove its often-proclaimed commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“In the same way that our industry actively supported the fight for marriage equality and put up black banners in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign, it is time for us to stand behind our First Nations people’s right for recognition,” Naja Hibri said.
“Let us act now, so we can look back on this historic moment with pride, knowing that we did as much as we could, knowing that we played a part in fostering a nation united in diversity and strength."
Following the virtual panel discussion, the AFC launched its #FashionForYes campaign.
The campaign offers a social media toolkit for businesses to implement, including imagery and suggested copy.
For further information on the Voice, visit voice.gov.au