Finding my voice for The Voice to Parliament. After an interesting conversation with friends about the up-coming referendum, the second in my lifetime, the third ever for Australia, I realised that, despite feeling strong support for First Nations Australians, it was hard to find the words to explain why I will be voting Yes. It got me thinking…How are others articulating their reasons for voting Yes to support a First Nations Voice to Parliament?
So, I decided to attend the ‘Support the Voice Forum’ at Geelong Library a couple of weeks ago to listen to Simon Flag (CEO Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative), Linda Burney (Minister for Indigenous Australians), Deputy PM and Member for Corio Hon Richard Marles MP, and Libby Coker MP (Member for Corangamite).
From these great speakers, I created a summary of key points (not direct quotes) which resonated with me in explaining what it’s all about.
*It’s about giving First Nations people a voice at a higher level of policy and law-making, on laws and policies that directly affect First Nations people.
*In 1901 the Australian Constitution was created, in a time when First Nations people were not recognised as people. They weren’t counted. They are now. Let’s give them the voice to be change makers in their own communities, to be recognised in law as being part of our nation.
*It’s about bringing our country up to date on what we see as fair in 2023.
*This is a chance to finally give recognition to being part of our country in the ‘Big Book of Law’.
*It’s about closing the gap between Indigenous Australians and the rest of the population in education, health and jobs. So far, without First Nations Australians having input, this hasn’t been achieved.
*Aussies are a nation of people who think everyone should have a ‘Fair Go’.
*It’s about being as generous to our First Nations people as we are to people in need overseas.
*This is the moment to let our people have a say in our destiny.
*It’s about walking forward together.
*It’s about giving each other strength.
*There’s nothing to lose, and everything to gain from voting Yes.
*Make sure you’re doing your own research, check in with your own values, be across the facts, understand what it means to those it affects most.
*Whatever decision you make, please know that what you choose matters.
I’m sure these points will be useful in my future conversations about the 2023 referendum, and I hope by sharing, perhaps they’ll help you too. Local team member.
If you’d like to find out more, The Djilang Market and Voice Forum, in partnership with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, will be held at Eastern Beach this Sunday 24th Sept from 10-3pm. More info: https://www.yes23.com.au/djilang_markets_and_voice_forum
Referendum Sat 14th October. Photo: supplied by John Foss, YES at Torquay beach.
HuG 