In less than three weeks, Australians will take to the polls to decide the fate of the Voice to Parliament referendum. This landmark vote could recalibrate the power dynamics and representation of Indigenous communities in Australia’s democratic landscape. It’s an issue that’s been shrouded in misinformation, particularly aimed at CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities. Hence, a recent media briefing headed by Kylea Tink MP, Independent Federal Member for North Sydney, and Dr. Shireen Morris, a constitutional law specialist, aimed to offer clarity and counteract the mounting confusion.

According to Tink, the Voice initiative is unifying and inclusive. It seeks to redress the long-standing exclusion of First Nations people from the Constitution. A disturbing fact was brought to light; one of the founding fathers of the Constitution had erroneously believed that First Nations communities would die out by 1960. “That split is already there in our Constitution. What this move is trying to do is to make that split null and void,” Tink remarked.

Dr. Shireen Morris expanded on the systematic marginalisation that has befallen Indigenous communities over the years. The top-down approach has perpetuated unequal laws, ranging from exclusion from the country’s population count until 1967 to the denial of equal voting rights until 1984. “The Voice is about correcting, it’s about fixing some of the racial discrimination of the past by finally recognising Indigenous people by giving them a voice,” she said.

Not only a matter of ethical importance, constitutional protection for the Voice is paramount, noted Dr. Morris. Previous Indigenous bodies were “scrapped as soon as the politics changed,” she said. Constitutional safeguards would provide a fail-safe mechanism to ensure Indigenous voices would always find an echo in lawmaking.

While there are concerns about the advisory nature of the Voice, it’s essential to understand that its lack of veto power actually enhances its democratic validity. According to Morris, “The Voice respects Parliament and the democratic process.” She also emphasised that an advisory body like the Voice could streamline efforts in Indigenous affairs, thereby increasing efficacy and reducing waste.

When questioned about the possibility of the Voice overlapping with the duties of Indigenous MPs, Dr. Morris clarified that the two serve different roles. “Indigenous MPs represent everyone in their electorate instead of Indigenous communities,” she said. Therefore, the Voice would serve to inform all MPs on matters that particularly affect Indigenous communities.

Tink also espoused her view that acknowledging and respecting the deep history of Indigenous culture can imbue modern Australia with a greater sense of identity and responsibility, particularly concerning sustainable living and environmental conservation.

As the referendum looms closer, both Tink and Morris urged Australians, especially those in multicultural communities, to vote YES. They believe this could be a transformative moment for a nation grappling with its historical complexities, giving Australia the opportunity to be a “brave, optimistic country that we want our kids growing up in.”

The briefing ended on a hopeful note, with both speakers advocating for a knowledgeable and compassionate approach to the forthcoming referendum. Dr. Shireen Morris urged multicultural communities to seize this as a chance to give back, “We’ve benefited so much from the democracy that was built on their land, and they’ve lost so much, and this might be our one chance to give back.”

So come 14 October, Australians have a golden opportunity to redefine their nation’s narrative. Will they choose to amplify a voice that’s been muted for too long? Time will tell, but if Tink and Morris have anything to do with it, that voice won’t just be a whisper; it will be a roar.

Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.

Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

In less than 3⃣ weeks, Australians will vote on the Voice to Parliament referendum, aiming to empower Indigenous communities & rectify historical injustices. #TheIndianSun #VoiceToParliament #IndigenousPeopleshttps://t.co/v3yFanGcj2

— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) September 26, 2023

The post Not just a whisper, but a roaring voice: The countdown to Australia’s historic referendum appeared first on .