YES VOTE
On October 14 I will be voting YES to the respectful request from Indigenous Australians for the establishment of a permanent Voice to be consulted when decisions relating to them are under consideration.
It is absolutely undeniable that Indigenous Australians, historically and presently, experience a significant level of disadvantage. The major political parties acknowledge this and have taken steps to ‘close the gap’ but despite this there has been very little or no improvement in these statistics.
I understand that Indigenous people, the ‘experts’ in their own lives, believe that they should be listened to – no more than that – and that having a permanent Voice would lead to better outcomes than the current system which changes with the whims of government. There has never been any intention to give the Voice the power to implement decisions. That power will remain with the government of the day. If enough of us vote YES, the detailed arrangements for the Voice will be in the hands of government.
It seems to me that this is a relatively simple and straightforward proposal which will disadvantage no-one. Of course, there are some uncertainties – life’s like that – but the No campaign is playing into our natural unease about change to lead us down dark alleys, into dark corners and down dark holes ( to mix a few metaphors), to complicate and obscure the simplicity of the actual proposal.
We don’t need to go there. Please vote YES.
Barb Gray Shepparton
NO VOTE
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the proposal that has recently emerged, one that seems to be cloaked in the guise of progress but, in reality, raises questions about the very principles that our nation stands for.
The concept of the “voice of unknown functions and power” has been put forth for consideration. While the idea of open discussion is commendable, it is imperative that we thoroughly examine how such a mechanism would function and who would be entrusted with the responsibility. We must ensure that any system implemented reflects our shared values and aspirations as Australians.
One troubling aspect of this proposal is the potential for racial separation that prioritises a specific class of Australians over others. Our strength as a nation has always been our unity, and we must stand firmly against any measures that divide us. We are one people, and it is crucial that we remain together, rather than letting divisive concepts drive us apart.
Furthermore, vague promises are being made, and we must demand clarity and transparency in any proposed changes. As Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “Judgment not by the colour of your skin but by the content of your character.” We must strive to eliminate any form of discrimination from our country and ensure that every Australian is judged based on their character, not their ethnicity.
It is vital that we all consider the potential consequences of this proposal. We must be cautious and vote against the voice of intolerance and what it represents. We should reject the notion of special racial-based rights and privileges, as this goes against the principles of equality and fairness that we hold dear.
Moreover, there are questions about who will draft the rules governing this proposal. The uncertainty surrounding this issue makes it appear risky, divisive, and permanent. We cannot afford to rush into changes that could have far-reaching implications for our nation without a clear understanding of the rules that will govern them.
In conclusion, I urge you to join me in opposing this proposal that threatens to undermine our unity and our commitment to equality. Let us stand together to protect the
values that make Australia a great and harmonious nation.
Sincerely, Steve Threlfall, Shepparton.
YES VOTE
Dear Editor,
When my ancestors arrived on this continent, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had been living here in harmony with their land for tens of thousands of years. The Australian Constitution, written in 1901, gives no mention of that fact. A successful referendum will simply insert a new chapter, recognising the special place that the oldest continuing culture in the world, holds in Australia – a fact we later comers to this country can embrace and feel pride in.
If the yes vote succeeds at the referendum, nothing will change for people like me, except that I’ll feel gratified that we’re moving forward together as a mature nation.
It will also allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to advise the Government as to how it can be more efficient in its spending, so that the needs of their people can be better met – a very modest request.
I am pleased to accept the generous invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from all around Australia ask us: ‘We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.’
Without a doubt, I’ll be voting YES.
Linley Walker Mooroopna
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