In recognition of Reconciliation Week on May 27 to June 3, Tonic Media Network, and its Aboriginal Health Television (AHTV) network, are stepping up to close the health gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first media company to publicly support a ‘Yes’ vote in the Voice referendum.
As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a referendum will be held between October and December 2023 to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the constitution by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Australian population will vote on whether to change the constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Tonic Media Network CEO, Richard Silverton, said the company’s board has taken this position as stewards of the AHTV brand and network.
“The mission of AHTV is to improve the health and wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Silverton said.
“We believe a ‘Yes’ vote for the Voice will do exactly that because it gives agency to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“A neutral position, including accepting advertising from those supporting a ‘No’ vote, will only give oxygen to a ‘No’ campaign, which ultimately is in contradiction with our core purpose and mission.”
Aboriginal Health Television delivers culturally appropriate and relevant education and information inside Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) across Australia’s urban, regional, and remote Indigenous communities.
AHTV launched in 2018 with funding from the Federal Indigenous Health Promotion Grant. Today, via a network of 233 screens in 197 locations across urban, regional, rural and remote communities, AHTV reaches an audience of 507,493 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Australia-wide.
“Through AHTV, we empower positive health decisions and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by improving health literacy through the delivery of engaging, relevant health and wellbeing messaging and information directly to communities via respected voices in communities,” Silverton said.
“We encourage everyone, whatever your view is on the Voice to Parliament, to get out and vote.”
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