Perry Cornish’s letter (5 July) was about the wording of the proposed alteration of our Commonwealth of Australia Constitution. The Voice proposal says the new body to be set up ‘may make representations to Parliament’, however, all Australian people may already make such representations.
Also, it says, ‘The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures’.
So, this body will in all respects be controlled by the parliament (i.e. the party in power) meaning the so-called voice of the Indigenous people will give them only a voice controlled by the political party in power. So, where is the benefit to them?
Yes, it’s all in the wording, so don’t be fooled. All the original Indigenous people I know understand this and recognise that a ‘Yes’ vote will only entangle them more in top-down control. They, in their words, want to be ‘one mob’ with all Australians and not set apart. Essentially this separate Voice idea has a racist basis to it and will benefit no-one.
Not only is the Voice referendum deceptive, it’s also a great waste of our money.
Dudley Leggett, Suffolk Park
Find out more on the Voice to Parliament
‘How the Voice will help government’ by Fred Chaney in The Saturday Paper: www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au.
Julian Leeser interview on RN.
