The torment of our powerlessness

When Indigenous people presented the Uluru Statement from the Heart we sought little from the government but got even less in return.

We delivered a framework that our elders fought for - a greater say, empowerment, and self-determination in the decisions that our politicians make about us. We called for Makarrata - the coming together after a struggle. A chance to change the rhetoric for our people and the nation as a whole.

We asked for two simple things that would progress Australia’s journey to reconciliation - the establishment of an Indigenous body in the Constitution, to offer non-binding advice on Indigenous affairs, and a commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations, while ensuring the true reflection of our history.

Our voicelessness is at the heart of our torment of our powerlessness. The Uluru Statement was the start of an Australian conversation, in which Indigenous Australia had found its voice.

Our proposal was modest - a voice in our own affairs, a say in our community, a sensible way to make empowerment happen.

But before our voice had any chance of rising above the whisper of possibility, it was quickly silenced, drowned out by the pomposity of politics.

The Prime Minister’s rejection of this modest proposal is appalling, the way it was handled disrespectful, and the arguments made against our proposal are wrong, if not deliberately misleading.

Mr Turnbull argued such an Indigenous body was neither desirable nor capable of winning acceptance in a referendum.

I ask this: How can an Indigenous advisory body be contrary to equality principles when it would not change the make-up of the House of Parliament in any way? When it would have no vote for laws, and no power of veto?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples need a mechanism that enables us to take responsibility and have a genuine voice in our affairs - in the laws and policies that are made about us, our communities and our rights.

I truly believe this would improve policies and outcomes for our people because no one is better placed to solve our problems than we ourselves.

We cannot be silenced again. The whisper must now become a shout. We need to keep fighting for this reform. Our people need a voice in our affairs - it is the only way we are ever going to close the gap and turn around the history of failure in Indigenous affairs policy.

I call on non-Indigenous Australians to support us. Sign this petition, write to your local MP, and get your voice heard in any way you can.