It could not be more simple. To recognise the original Australians in our Constitution and give them a representative Voice in matters directly affecting their wellbeing, like health, housing, education and criminal justice. What is there not to understand? They are very modest requests. In the 1967 referendum, both sides of government supported the ‘Yes’ vote to simply recognise Aborigines as people. It was a resounding success with over 90 per cent voting ‘Yes’.
It has been unhelpful in this Voice referendum that both sides of the Coalition are saying to vote ‘No’. It has caused confusion and division, and all the usual suspects have jumped aboard the band-wagon, concocting all manner of fear and obfuscation. Tony Abbott thinks it’s a power grab by activists. Conspiracy theorists think it’s part of a takeover by the UN imposing forced immunisation. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price is voting ‘No’ because she wants a treaty.
So many people are spinning in this vortex of fear and misinformation that the simple, clear request of this important referendum might just get lost in the wash.
A ‘Yes’ vote will be one more step toward a more fair and inclusive Australia.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
