Local Aboriginal woman, Delta Kay is very clear when it comes to the subject of the Voice to Parliament referendum. She’s adamant that she only speaks for herself, and her opinions are hers alone.
‘Lots of people are asking me about it, and I say these are my words. No one else. I do not represent my family or my people.’
Delta is also very clear that other people including politicians, including Indigenous politicians, do not speak for her. ‘I am voting “Yes!”’
‘I am a local Bundjalung of Byron Bay woman raised up on my mother’s mother’s traditional country.
‘I grew up surrounded by a big family and we all experienced racism through schooling, renting and a denial of our cultural rights.’
Delta wants to see better things for Indigenous people. As the daughter of a woman who died in her 40s, as the kin and friend of people who have been to jail, and others who are struggling to find jobs, Delta spends her days living and working on Country and educating locals and visitors about her culture through her business, Explore Byron Bay.
Small step forward
Delta says she believes this referendum is a small step forward to unite the nation and correct the constitution to enable Indigenous people to advise parliament on solutions that affect Indigenous people and culture.
‘I want to see an Indigenous Voice to parliament that will challenge policies and law. I want to see an Indigenous voice that knows our people, and will have solutions to our ever-growing problems such as health, education, housing and over-representation in the jail system.
‘I have family members who have been through the system, and continually get harassed by police. We know how to heal our mob, through connection to culture and Country programs. Government policies don’t address our communities’ needs. Instead, I see our people get depressed, frustrated, and locked up again and again.’
No acknowledgement until 1967 referendum
Delta says a Voice to Parliament can fight for sustained funding that keeps youth out of jail, and is cheaper for taxpayers.
‘My older brother Michael was born in 1961, he wasn’t acknowledged in the Constitution until the 1967 referendum, that he counted as part of the Australian population. Nothing else, just recognition.
‘Our 2023 referendum is an opportunity for an Indigenous voice to parliament that addresses Indigenous issues, nothing else’.
Delta says the Uluru Statement from the Heart was created and led by Indigenous people who came from all over Australia in 2017.
‘I have met many of those incredible Indigenous leaders who attended the gathering, and I believe our representatives will have my best interests at heart when making decisions that affect me and other Indigenous people.
‘I am tired of hearing the deception of the naysayers who are deliberately confusing people about the Voice! Many are non-Indigenous people who are speaking on Indigenous people’s behalf.
Speak for ourselves
‘Many are rude and aggressive. Stop it! Indigenous people can speak for themselves.
‘There is too much fighting in our nation. It stems from so many people being fearful of the unknown, and it’s just too easy to become angry.
‘Well, I’m not going to be angry or fearful. I’m going to vote “Yes”, and I’m going to fight for a better future for our children – for everyone’s children. We’re the only Commonwealth country that hasn’t got a treaty. Well, here’s our chance to make a start.
‘We know that we can always be “sovereign” beings. I was born sovereign and I’ll die sovereign. The Voice won’t change that. It’s another step forward towards a treaty process.
‘We can still fight for a treaty, we know that it’s going to come but it’s going to take time, but if Aboriginal people don’t get their act together and come together under the Aboriginal flag, we’re never going to get it.
‘My mother expects me to continue the work of looking after Country, and sharing our culture, so people understand and respect Country, like we do. We all come from this land, whether you’re black, white, or brindle, and the whole of Australia needs to take that first step’.
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