Louise Bezzina
How blessed are we? We live on the lands of the longest surviving continuous culture in the world. In Queensland we have two, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities. To consider anything other than a YES vote at the upcoming referendum would be an enormous tragedy for our country.
We have come so far, yet not far enough. Welcome to Country and Acknowledgements of Country are now common practice at most events. We showed the world with the FIFA Women’s World Cup that Brisbane is also called Meanjin. We showcase our First People in major international tourism campaigns and celebrate our rich First People across all the major Festivals and cultural institutions nationwide. These will be shallow gestures however if we as a country cannot unite and acknowledge our First People through this important, history defining YES vote.
We have an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and start a genuine path to reconciliation. One that has been spoken about for decades. Here is our moment. Australians have the chance to make a powerhouse statement about equality, human rights and social progress. It is time to show the rest of the world that we are an inclusive country that respectfully honours our First People.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a powerful call for constitutional reform that seeks to provide a fair and just representation for Indigenous Australians in the nation’s decision-making processes.
As we head toward the global event of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, now is the time to show a genuine commitment to being the most inclusive Games ever held. If we as a nation cannot stand together to make positive change by supporting the YES vote and show commitment to truth telling, respect and unity, I fear that our aspiration will just be that.
It is time for action. Let’s take this important next step and shape a better future for all Australians.