For decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been campaigning for change to the current political system in Australia. Many incremental changes have led us to this moment in history where the Australian people can make an enduring commitment to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The referendum on October 14 represents an opportunity to enshrine a representative body that will influence policies made about and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
‘When we listen to people about the decisions that affect them, we get better results. For the past 250 years, we haven’t properly listened to the people who have been here for 65,000. It’s time we did’ (www.yes23.com.au/voice).
The system and process we have now is failing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Through the horrifying statistics and indicators included in the Closing the Gap targets we can see the evidence of the ongoing impacts of colonisation. The over incarceration of our people and the over representation of our children in the out of home care systems are reminders of the systemic genocide that continues through policies, processes, and government. Yes, we need a treaty and yes, we need a Voice.
In 2002, activists from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, led by Arabunna man Uncle Kevin Buzzacott reclaimed the kangaroo and emu from Old Parliament House in Canberra. Uncle Kevin stated that the emu and kangaroo were part of our dreaming, our totems and had been stolen by the crown and misappropriated as a symbol of foreign sovereignty.
When Uncle Kevin was charged with theft by the Australian Federal Police he pleaded no jurisdiction and charged the Australian government with theft.
The case elevated through the court system to the High Court where it found they could not determine any matter of Aboriginal sovereignty in Australia, it must go to an international court as the Australian court system are agents of the Crown and in direct conflict with the notion of Aboriginal sovereignty. I don’t believe this referendum has the power to impact on Aboriginal sovereignty. Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as First Australians in the Constitution is the first step to recognising our sovereignty in the document that drives the political system in this Australia.
Treaty needed
The Voice to parliament will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a mechanism to affect policy and processes that affect us on the ground – across all the silos of government. We need this to ensure that we are part of the decisions that impact us, a part of self-determination at a policy level.
While this is critical, we still need a Treaty. Treaty will mean that the war is over and that there is peace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There is no peace without justice and in this process, we need a truth-telling process. I am constantly astounded at the lack of awareness that many Australians have about the history of colonisation and the impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It was not a peaceful occupation but a brutal process of genocide on which our political systems have been built. Many wealthy and powerful people continue to benefit from this past and this is the fear that many people have been fed in relation to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a Voice.
Matter of principle
When Australia goes to vote on October 14 they will be asked to write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the following question:
‘A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve of this proposed alteration?’
Many people have voiced their concern at the lack of detail provided, but as a nation we are not voting on the detail, we are voting on the principle. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the First People of Australia and while we do not have the numbers to win or lose this referendum, I hope that we are the ones that determine the details of the Voice, that we have the ability to shape the details of our own Voice.
This referendum represents a chance to enshrine this Voice to parliament. We have seen many Aboriginal commissions, councils, and departments that have gained traction and momentum that then are abolished by new governments. Enshrining the Voice in the Constitution will ensure that this doesn’t happen.
Yes, there is division amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, divide and conquer has been the process of the coloniser. I pay my respect to the difference in opinion in the communities across Australia and recognise that not everyone shares my views.
This is the moment we can change the course of history. A ‘No’ vote will deliver us a continuation of the status quo which is failing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There is no other option on the table. I want a better future for my children, for my family and community. I want a better future for Country. Our Elders have worked hard to deliver us this opportunity and while I do not trust in corporations or governments, I trust in the wisdom of our Elders in understanding that we need to change the systems that are oppressing our Country, community and culture.
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Belle Budden is a local dubay of Wakka Wakka descent. ‘Living off country I pay my respect to the Arakwal people and the wider Bundjalung people of this land,’ says Belle.
