YES

I will vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum for the Voice to Parliament because its the right thing to do, and here is why.

In 2017, the Uluru Statement from the Heart emerged as a compelling call from Indigenous leaders for constitutional reform and the recognition of Indigenous rights. Central to this call was the establishment of a 'First Nations Voice' – a representative advisory body to the Australian Parliament and Government. This year, we have the chance to make that call a reality through a referendum.

First Principals

Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders were here first and have been here for more than 60,000 years. Terra Nullius was a fabrication. Australia was colonised, forcibly, often brutally so. I benefit directly from these actions and its my responsibility to address the injustice.

Indigenous-led Initiative

The 'First Nations Voice' is not a concept conjured by those removed from the realities of Indigenous peoples. It is a request born from the very heart of the Indigenous communities, a result of extensive deliberations and the collective wisdom of the First Nations peoples. It is a respectful and considered response to the question, "What would Indigenous recognition in our Constitution look like?" When someone asks for a voice, the least we can do is listen.

The Uluru Statement calls for;

Acknowledgement of Sovereignty

Recognition of History

Constitutional Reform

Makarrata (coming together)

Unity

https://ulurustatemdev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/UluruStatementfromtheHeartPLAINTEXT.pdf

Addressing Indigenous Disadvantage

The challenges that Indigenous Australians face are deeply ingrained and multifaceted, spanning health, education, employment, and other areas of social and economic life. We can't expect the 'First Nations Voice' to provide an instant solution to these complex issues. However, it would give Indigenous peoples a direct role in crafting the solutions. Having a say in the policies and decisions that directly affect their lives is a fundamental step towards addressing the longstanding inequities they face. It's about empowering our First Nations to help chart their own path towards a brighter future.

Here are some sad facts;

Incarceration?- Aboriginals are 3% of the general population and 28% of the prison population. What is WORSE, over 50% of the youth prison population is indigenous. I can’t think of anything more appalling than that statistic.

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/youth-justice/youth-detention-population-in-australia-2022/contents/summary#

Health?- Indigenous People die younger and suffer worse health throughout their lifetime.

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/indigenous-health-and-wellbeing

Unemployment?- Indigenous unemployment is 18.5%, 3 times higher than non-indigenous.

https://www.oecd.org/employment/leed/Policy-Highlights-Indigenous-Employment-and-Skills-Strategies-in-Australia.pdf

Advisory, Not Binding

There's been a lot of chatter about the 'Voice' leading to a third chamber of Parliament or possessing a veto power over legislation. This is simply not the case. The 'Voice' is advisory; it does not bind the government or Parliament to its recommendations. It is a platform for the Indigenous peoples to share their views, insights, and knowledge on matters that directly affect them – a step towards meaningful consultation and inclusion.

Acceptable Principles

In March 2023, the principles of the 'First Nations Voice' were released, having been developed and agreed upon by the First Nations Referendum Working Group. They frame a vision for a representative body that respects the diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. These principles embody the spirit of respect, collaboration, and unity – surely, values we can all stand behind.

FUD

It's important to recognise when opposition is rooted not in fact, but in the cultivation of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Some critics, like Peter Dutton, argue there's "not enough detail" about the 'Voice.' While it's true that the full operational structure is yet to be detailed, we have clarity on its nature, purpose, and guiding principles. Let's not allow the fear of hypotheticals to overshadow the opportunity for meaningful progress. I’m old enough to remember the Mabo decision and subsequent legislation to support land title claims. Uncles, Aunts and shock jocks were screaming ruin. We would lose our house, we would be overrun by land rights claims. Well that didn’t happen and neither will the claims of the No campaign come about.

In conclusion, the 'Voice' isn't about special treatment or upending our constitutional fabric. It's about righting wrongs and acknowledging the unique place of Indigenous peoples in our nation's history and future, and ensuring they have a say in decisions that affect them. This is why I will vote ‘Yes’.