Why I’m Voting YES

Earlier today, Prime Minister?Anthony Albanese called a referendum. According to the official government website, the draft question that will be put to voters on October 14 is whether to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Simply put, my answer is YES.?

All that is being asked is to create a council of First Nations Peoples from around Australia — a council made up of diverse ages, genders and backgrounds — to consult with the Government on issues that affect them.?

I’ve spent a lot of time over recent months reading, listening and speaking to people so I can educate myself on this decision.?

So here’s a few reasons why I’m voting YES:

• Currently, the Constitution of Australia doesn’t even acknowledge the existence of First Nations Peoples. I believe this needs to change, not only to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land, but also the oldest continuous culture on planet Earth.?
• This referendum is just about giving First Nations People a Voice. All First Nations People are asking for is a Voice. Nothing more, nothing less. It needs to be included in the Constitution so it cannot be changed by future Governments. In the past, there have been various groups similar to the Voice, but they have always been swiftly abolished when the Government changes. A Voice being put into the Constitution will mean this cannot change and will be there for future generations.?
• The Voice is to consult on First Nations issues only. Just like there are committees to advise the Government on tax, military, export and other issues, this will be no different. This is not a vehicle for First Nations People to take over Government, despite what some people from the NO vote campaign are saying. It will ensure the Government has better-quality information about important First Nations communities and issues, coming directly from communities themselves – ? issues such as child care, health, education, deaths in custody, incarceration, and program funding.
• This is the next step in a very important journey that Australia needs to take in bettering its relationship with First Nations Peoples.?
• We simply can’t vote NO. This would be disastrous for First Nations Peoples, and the countless Elders who have fought for adequate recognition such as this, as well as Australia at large. If we cannot grant this simple request, we are not moving forward as a united nation.?

As a middle class, white, male, I was born into privilege and its moments like this where I feel it’s important to acknowledge that.?

What's the worst that’s going to happen to me? A bad comment on this LinkedIn post. Or some discourse about my opinions. But that’s nothing compared to what First Nations People of Australia have gone through ever since white people came here in 1788.?

For me, the least we can do is vote YES and show support to the people we share this amazing country with. The least we can do is lock arms with First Nations People and show support and that we actually care what they think.?

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Jaddan Comerford

CEO & Founder - UNIFIED Music Group