Shelley Argent OAM
I have a personal interest in the YES Referendum. Over the years, my family has provided university scholarships for several First Nation young people. Besides providing them with financial benefits, we brought them into our home, and we treated them the same as our sons. We provided guidance, love and responded to their individual needs. Now they are independent adults and remain part of our family.
The YES campaign offers us a chance to express our support for our First Nations People hope, dignity and respect, and their right to have their Voice heard on things that affect their well-being.
As an Advocate for marriage equality, I see in the NO campaign on the Voice the same scaremongers using the same tactics: encouraging distrust in people and predicting dire straits, once again, for us as a nation. But the sky didn't fall in as they predicted.
The outcome of this vote impacts heavily on our First Nations People. Over time -
1. They had their land stolen by mining and agricultural companies
2. Their children were stolen by the government, who educated them poorly and worked them hard.
3. Their wages were stolen by the bosses or companies who employed them without apology or compensation.
4. They are still treated with suspicion by some and generally considered second-rate without a real opportunity to prove themselves, e.g. housing rentals and in the workforce.
5. They have been told what they need and when they will receive it, by non-indigenous bureaucrats.
This Voice, as we know, will finally recognise First Nations people in the Constitution, and provide them with the opportunity to form an advisory group to government to explain their priorities and needs.
I am asking Queenslanders not to be fearful:
1. They don't want your land; they want improved health and living conditions.
2. Do not believe that three First Nation MPs and eight Senators are enough representation, the outcomes show that it isn't.
3. Do not believe that those leading the YES campaign are all communists; that is just propaganda to scare people. Most First Nations leaders are from ordinary, even poor backgrounds who have worked hard to educate themselves and are now working to improve the lives of others.
A NO vote will send a clear message telling our First Nations people they are unimportant and people don't care. And it will be a long time before any other change can happen that will benefit their well-being.
Please Vote YES, you have nothing to lose. However, voting YES will be a major step forward for the betterment of our nation and a fair go for our First Nations People.