Elizabeth Jameson AM
Why am I voting ‘Yes’? The answer is very simple.
I am voting yes because I believe that we should not just “acknowledge the traditional owners” in rote words at the beginning of events. I believe we should truly deeply acknowledge and pay our respects to the 65,000 years of custodians of the beautiful lands we occupy today by listening to them. That is real acknowledgement and real respect. First Nations Australians told us, clearly and articulately, following the Uluru gathering in 2017 that a Voice to the Parliament is what they need to make the real journey of reconciliation together. I hear them.
I am voting yes because what we have been doing for the past 250 years hasn’t worked and sooner or later, in a modern democracy, you have to stop and think about that. So, think about this: when the British arrived, the First Nations population was 100% and had been for millennia. Within 250 years it is just 3% of the population. That is a symptom of our abject failure to ‘close the gap’. Now consider this: New Zealand – with a treaty and various mechanisms to give voice to Maori peoples – has a population of First New Zealanders of around 20%.
Having got to know and work with many First Nations Australians - and others - in health, education and the arts, I have learned that the way to ‘close the gap’ is by listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Multiple programs run by well-meaning non-indigenous people have regularly failed: those run by First Australians for First Australians have regularly succeeded. That is what the Voice will do – ensure that First Nations voices are heard in developing measures to close the gap.
I am voting yes because I say ‘no more’ to ignorance, and to the history that taught me, wrongly, that this land was effectively vacant when Captain Cook arrived. In fact, it was populated with a proud and successful people who lived and thrived in harmony with the land for millennia.
I am voting yes because when you examine the facts, the case is made. The reasons for building this into the constitution are clear. Ask 10 First Nations Australians and validate for yourself what they say about the Voice. Just look for the information: it is all there.
Please Australia, it is time to listen – and hear - what our First Australians say.