A non indigenous woman's thoughts on The Aboriginal voice in the Australian parliament

As an Australian non-Indigenous woman, I am currently considering how to vote in the upcoming referendum on The Aboriginal Voice in the Australian Parliament.

I personally believe The Uluru Statement has been an important catalyst for action, bringing together a diverse range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities to articulate their shared aspirations for constitutional reform. This powerful call to action has now led to a significant moment in the history of the Australian Indigenous rights movement and I want my vote to be informed and of value.

To be honest with you, I'm feeling surprising emotional about this issue and that's 100% ok with me. This happens when my head, heart and soul have an awakening and are called to realign and gain clarity around where I'm personally positioned.

And so, I started by asking myself how voting yes will benefit women, society and the Australian economy. Last week I attended a community information session run by my local member Zali Steggall OAM MP . Since then, I've done my own research to explore how voting yes will benefit our First Nations people and Australia as a whole.

I then got more specific and asked myself:

1. How will the Aboriginal voice benefit Indigenous women in Australia and address the systemic inequalities they face?
2. How will the Aboriginal voice ensure that the perspectives and voices of Indigenous women are heard in policymaking and decision-making processes?
3. What specific measures will be put in place to ensure that the Aboriginal voice is inclusive and representative of the diversity of Indigenous communities, including the experiences and needs of Indigenous women?
4. How can the implementation of the Aboriginal voice lead to real change for Indigenous women and communities, and what steps can be taken to ensure that this change is sustained over time?
5. How have previous Indigenous policy initiatives and reforms impacted Indigenous women in particular, and what lessons can be learned from these experiences in shaping the implementation of the Aboriginal voice?
6. What role can non-Indigenous Australians, particularly women, play in supporting the implementation of the Aboriginal voice and promoting greater awareness and engagement with this issue?
7. How can the Australian government work with Indigenous communities, particularly Indigenous women, to implement the Aboriginal voice in a way that is respectful, meaningful, and reflective of their experiences and needs?
8. How can we ensure that the implementation of the Aboriginal voice is not tokenistic, but leads to genuine progress towards Indigenous self-determination and empowerment, particularly for Indigenous women?
9. How can we address the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous women and communities, and ensure that the Aboriginal voice is a step towards healing and reconciliation?
10. How can we ensure that Indigenous women are actively involved in shaping the implementation and ongoing development of the Aboriginal voice, and that their leadership and expertise is valued and respected?

And here are my thoughts and research thus far on the topic without going on and on and on ?? ?

Will voting yes address systemic inequalities that affect aboriginal women?

Aboriginal women in Australia face a range of systemic inequalities that can impact their health and well-being. For example, Aboriginal women are more likely to experience gender-based violence and to have poor access to healthcare and education. By giving Aboriginal people more control over their own lives and resources, they can work towards reducing these inequalities and improving the lives of Aboriginal women.

A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that Aboriginal women are almost 35 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-Indigenous women. Additionally, a study by the Australian Human Rights Commission found that Indigenous women are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, including higher rates of infant mortality, chronic disease, and mental health issues, compared to non-Indigenous women.

Will voting yes ensure aboriginal women's perspectives are heard in policymaking?

Aboriginal women have unique experiences and perspectives that are often not represented in Australian politics. By giving the Aboriginal voice to the Australian parliament, Aboriginal women's perspectives can be included in policy decisions, which can help to ensure that policies and programs are designed to meet the specific needs of Aboriginal women.

A study by the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research found that when Aboriginal people are involved in policymaking, they are more likely to develop programs and policies that are appropriate and effective for their communities. For example, Aboriginal-led programs in Western Australia have successfully reduced rates of child neglect and abuse by up to 50%. Additionally, research has shown that involving diverse perspectives in decision-making can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.

Will voting yes help build a more inclusive and diverse political culture?

Greater Aboriginal representation in the Australian parliament can help to build a more inclusive and diverse political culture in Australia. This can help to promote greater understanding and respect for the unique cultures, traditions, and perspectives of Aboriginal women and other Indigenous people.

A study by the Australian Human Rights Commission found that promoting cultural diversity in the workplace can lead to a range of benefits, including increased creativity, innovation, and productivity. Additionally, research has shown that promoting diversity in decision-making can lead to better outcomes and more effective decision-making.

Will voting yes help improve the health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians?

The health disparities faced by Indigenous Australians are a critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently. These disparities are complex and multifaceted, and Indigenous Australians experience significant health inequities across a range of health outcomes compared to non-Indigenous Australians.

Here are some key statistics and references that highlight the extent of these disparities:

• Life expectancy: Indigenous Australians have a significantly lower life expectancy than non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous males are estimated to live 8.6 years less than non-Indigenous males, and Indigenous females are estimated to live 7.8 years less than non-Indigenous females. (Reference: ABS, Life Tables for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2015-2017.)
• Infant mortality rates: Indigenous infants are twice as likely to die in their first year of life than non-Indigenous infants. The infant mortality rate among Indigenous Australians is 6.7 per 1,000 live births, compared to 3.1 per 1,000 live births among non-Indigenous Australians. (Reference: AIHW, Australia's Health 2020: Infant mortality.)
• Burden of disease: Indigenous Australians experience a higher burden of disease across a range of health conditions, including mental health issues, chronic diseases, and infectious diseases. Indigenous Australians are 1.6 times as likely to have a mental health condition as non-Indigenous Australians. (Reference: AIHW, The health of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.)
• Access to healthcare: Many Indigenous Australians live in remote and isolated areas with limited access to health services. Only 22% of Indigenous Australians living in remote and very remote areas have access to a GP, compared to 89% of those living in major cities. (Reference: AIHW, Rural and remote health.)
• Social determinants of health: Indigenous Australians are more likely to experience poverty and poor housing conditions, which can have a profound impact on health outcomes. Indigenous Australians are 3 times as likely to live in overcrowded conditions as non-Indigenous Australians. (Reference: AIHW, Housing circumstances of Indigenous Australians.)
• Risky health behaviours: Indigenous Australians engage in more risky health behaviours such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet, which can contribute to poorer health outcomes. Indigenous Australians are 1.8 times as likely to smoke daily as non-Indigenous Australians. (Reference: AIHW, The health of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.)

While efforts are being made to address these disparities through initiatives such as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan and the Close the Gap campaign, significant systemic changes are needed to address the underlying social and historical factors that contribute to these disparities. This includes addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization, improving access to culturally safe healthcare, addressing social determinants of health and supporting Indigenous-led solutions to health issues.

I believe it is crucial to ensure that Indigenous Australians are involved in decision-making processes related to their healthcare and that policies and programs are culturally appropriate and tailored to meet their unique needs so Indigenous communities can be empowered to take control of their own health and well-being. In order to address these health disparities, it is essential to provide culturally appropriate healthcare services and address the social determinants of health that contribute to poor health outcomes. By addressing the health disparities faced by Indigenous Australians, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all Australians.?

Will voting yes help parliament recognise these disparities and work towards addressing them through targeted interventions and policy changes?

Improving the health outcomes of Indigenous Australians requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying social determinants of health, as well as the specific health needs of Indigenous communities. Some strategies that could help to improve these disparities include:

Increasing Funding for Indigenous Health: The Australian government could increase funding for Indigenous health services, including primary care, specialist care, and mental health services. This funding could be targeted to address the specific health needs of Indigenous communities, such as chronic disease management, mental health support, and access to culturally safe care.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health: To improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians, it is important to address the underlying social determinants of health, such as poverty, unemployment, and poor housing conditions. This could involve a range of interventions, such as improving access to education and employment opportunities, providing safe and affordable housing, and increasing access to healthy food options.

Improving Access to Healthcare: To improve access to healthcare for Indigenous Australians, it is important to address the barriers that prevent Indigenous people from accessing care, such as geographic isolation, lack of cultural safety, and systemic discrimination. This could involve increasing the number of Indigenous health workers and improving cultural awareness training for healthcare providers.

Strengthening Indigenous Community Control: Indigenous community-controlled health services have been shown to be effective in delivering culturally safe and appropriate care to Indigenous communities. Strengthening and supporting these services could help to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Addressing Racism and Discrimination: To improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians, it is important to address racism and discrimination in all aspects of society. This could involve targeted education and awareness campaigns to reduce prejudice and increase cultural awareness, as well as implementing policies and practices that promote equity and social justice for Indigenous Australians.

?Will voting yes boost the Australian Economy?

Giving the Aboriginal voice to the Australian parliament can also have economic benefits for the country as a whole. By promoting greater equality and social inclusion, Aboriginal representation in decision-making can help to reduce poverty and inequality, which can in turn boost economic growth and development.

?A report by the World Bank found that reducing inequality can lead to higher levels of economic growth and development. Additionally, research has shown that promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace can lead to higher levels of innovation, creativity, and productivity, which can contribute to economic growth.

?Will voting yes result in significant challenges and obstacles?

Implementing the Aboriginal voice in the Australian parliament may result in resistance from some who do not support greater Aboriginal representation.

Political Opposition: Some politicians may be opposed to the establishment of a national Indigenous representative body as they may view it as unnecessary or may have concerns that it could create an additional layer of bureaucracy. This week we have seen this clearly in the Liberals stunning positioning on the topic.

Concerns over Constitutional Change: Some people may be opposed to constitutional change for various reasons, such as concerns that it could lead to unintended consequences or alter the balance of power between different levels of government.

Fear of Loss of Control: Some people may fear that it could lead to Indigenous Australians having greater control over decision-making processes, which they may perceive as a loss of their own control or influence.

Misinformation: Some people may hold misconceptions or misinformation about its purpose.

Cultural Divide: There may be challenges around ensuring that the Aboriginal voice is truly representative of the diverse values, beliefs, and perspectives of Aboriginal communities on the role of government and representation.

What countries have successfully had an indigenous voice to parliament?

Several countries have established mechanisms to ensure indigenous representation in their national parliaments or legislative bodies. Some of these countries include:

• New Zealand: In 1868, the first Māori Member of Parliament (MP) was elected. In 2019, the country established the Māori-Crown Relations portfolio, which aims to strengthen the partnership between the government and Māori.
• Canada: The Canadian Parliament established the position of the Indigenous Peoples' Representative in 1990. The representative is elected by indigenous peoples and serves as a non-voting member of the House of Commons.
• Bolivia: In 2009, the Bolivian Constitution was amended to recognize the rights of indigenous peoples and to provide for the election of indigenous representatives to parliament. Indigenous peoples are also allowed to govern themselves through their own traditional structures.
• Ecuador: In 1998, the Ecuadorian Constitution was amended to recognize the rights of indigenous peoples and to provide for the election of indigenous representatives to parliament. Indigenous peoples are also allowed to govern themselves through their own traditional structures.
• Norway: The Sami Parliament of Norway was established in 1989 to represent the interests of the indigenous Sami people. The parliament has 39 elected representatives and has the power to make decisions on issues related to Sami language, culture, and development.

So where does this put my current positioning?

The Voice to Parliament is a proposed national Indigenous representative body that would give Indigenous Australians a greater say in decisions that affect their lives.

I believe the establishment of a Voice to Parliament could help to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians in several ways:

Increasing Indigenous Participation: By providing a mechanism for Indigenous Australians to have a greater say in decisions that affect their lives, the Voice to Parliament could help to increase Indigenous participation in health policy development and decision-making. This could ensure that policies and programs are more closely aligned with the specific health needs of Indigenous communities.

Providing a Platform for Indigenous Perspectives: The Voice to Parliament could provide a platform for Indigenous perspectives on health issues, including the social determinants of health, cultural safety in healthcare, and the need for greater investment in Indigenous-led health services.

Promoting Accountability: The establishment of a Voice to Parliament could help to promote greater accountability for the delivery of health services to Indigenous communities. This could include monitoring the performance of health services, advocating for improvements in service delivery, and holding governments and health providers accountable for the provision of culturally safe and appropriate care.

Strengthening Indigenous Governance: The Voice to Parliament could also help to strengthen Indigenous governance and self-determination in health policy development and service delivery. By ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are at the forefront of decision-making, the Voice to Parliament could help to promote greater cultural safety and improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

So where am I currently with my thinking?

I believe giving the Aboriginal voice to the Australian parliament can have significant benefits for reducing systemic inequalities that affect Aboriginal women, ensuring Aboriginal women's perspectives are heard in policymaking, building a more inclusive and diverse political culture, and boosting the Australian economy. Health disparities are the result of a range of factors, including social and economic disadvantage, poor access to healthcare services, and historical and ongoing discrimination. Addressing these disparities is a significant public health challenge in Australia and requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving access to healthcare services, addressing social determinants of health, and promoting cultural safety and awareness. There may be challenges and obstacles that need to be addressed in order to successfully implement the Aboriginal voice in the parliament.

However, by overcoming these challenges, Australia can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all its citizens.

Surely this is worth saying a big fat yes to.

I invite a respectful dialogue on this topic and welcome your feedback on this article.

#anniegibbins #VoiceTreatyTruth #UluruStatement #IndigenousVoice #FirstNationsVoice #MakarrataCommission #RecogniseTheTruth #ChangeTheNation #JusticeForIndigenousAustralians #IndigenousRights #WeAreListening #genderequality #news Linda Burney Zali Steggall OAM MP Mia Freedman