Why I’m voting Yes, this referendum.
An incredibly important referendum is coming up later this year. I’ll be voting yes because I believe there must be formal legal recognition of our First Nations people as the traditional and continuous custodians of the land on which we live.
The referendum will not address every injustice faced by Indigenous people, but without legal recognition and protection, we cannot move forward to continue to address these injustices. Simply put, it’s a step in the right direction.
So, what is the voice?
A Voice to Parliament will be a permanent body to make representations to the Australian Parliament and the Executive Government on legislation and policy significant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It will further the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and give them a greater say on matters that affect them.
Why a Voice?
Since 1967, the Australian Federal Government have required mechanisms like a voice to support its work in the Indigenous policy space. However, each of the five previous mechanisms that parliamentary processes have established for this purpose has been abolished. This constant change has further disadvantaged First Nations people. This is why it is crucial to have constitutional recognition. Governments come and go, but the recognition and protection of our First Nations people should not.
Why is it important to have recognition in the Constitution?
According to the authors of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, legislative bodies have come and gone. Still, only constitutional enrichment guarantees First Nations people an enduring say and ultimately improves First Nations' lives.
Our constitution shapes the foundation for how our laws operate. As a law student, I learnt firsthand the impact of constitutional land, and it is my belief that an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice will lead to better outcomes for people and the Country.
Constitutional recognition is not just symbolic; removing the discriminatory provisions will provide lasting practical effects for protecting human rights; for all Australians. The push for recognition is not about affording Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people more rights. It’s about providing them recognition in a legal instrument that currently excludes them and recognising our nation's history. The changes will ensure that Constitution doesn’t allow the government to actively discriminate against any Australian based on race.
I’ve heard some Aboriginal community members say they are against it.
Yes. Aboriginal peoples are not homogenous. Like any other community, they are diverse; diversity of experience and thought comes with that. There is tension amongst communities about this issue. Some argue they are already equal before the law and therefore do not need a special enshrinement. Others are for it. Irrespective of this, you must be informed about the Voice, what the referendum says, and what is important to you.
Why I’m voting yes:
There has been significant investment in reports and commissions from our Federal and state governments, with little action. One of the most significant engagements led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in recent years has been the Uluru Statement. That statement calls for a Voice to Parliament comprising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. Representation matters.
Constitutional recognition matters because its impacts laws today. Yes, there has been progress, but this is incredibly slow, and it’s not guaranteed until there is recognition.
It’s more than time. I’m in awe of Australia’s history, and by history, I mean its entire history, not just the white-washed version of Captain James Cook that I learnt in school. I am proud to live and be born in a country with one of the world's oldest and most continuous cultures. Our history is 65,000 years old. How incredible is that? But for some semblance of justice, of recognition and celebration of this culture, we need to confront our past, own the genocide that occurred, and make steps towards addressing this injustice. Is the Voice perfect? No one solution will be. But it is certainly a step in the right direction and can move our nation forward on this issue.
I understand there is a lot of contention about whether First Nations people agree this is the right step. There will be differences of opinion, and that differences and diversity will be encapsulated and protected by a representative Voice. That’s the key role. And it doesn’t require non-First Nations people to give up anything. I understand that discussions about providing equity often fuel a sense that equity and inclusion are a zero-sum game, but it’s not. This is about ensuring all Australians have representation and protection from discrimination.
While everyone is entitled to their own opinion and to decide on the referendum, I believe it’s best to be informed; and be informed from multiple sources, not just the bubble of perspectives that social media so often reproduces. I’ve included my reasoning based on my assessment of the facts available. As a democratic country, we’re privileged to have these opportunities to vote in such a process, but we often take that for granted too often.
I hope this is helpful for those who are interested. For those who disagree with my reasoning, that’s your right.
It’s a step in the right direction and time to progress.
