Though the results are in, on Saturday the Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, and Member of the Legislative Council, Sue Higginson, were both positive and philosophical about the unfolding event.
Sue Higginson MLC voted at the Lismore Heights Public School. ‘I’m voting yes, on my ballot paper,’ she said.
An incredibly important time in Australia’s truth-telling
‘We know, this is an incredibly important time in Australia’s truth-telling, and [for playing] our part in First Nations justice, no matter what the outcome today, and I’ve got hope and love in my heart that we can get this over the line. But, no matter how we wake up tomorrow, we will continue on this big bold path and brave path to First Nations justice.’
Ms Higginson said Australians know what they need to do. ‘We’ve got to stop the over-incarceration; we’ve got to improve health outcomes.; we’ve got to improve education; and we know the work that we’ve got to do to extend life expectancy.’
Ms Higginson said the good thing right now is no matter what the outcome is, New South Wales is on the path to truth-telling and treaty. ‘I’m working closely with the New South Wales Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaties. And this process has already started. As soon as this referendum is done, New South Wales will be taking, as this current government has committed, steps to truth and treaty and I will be doing everything I can across New South Wales with First Nations communities to be on the path to truth and treaty. ‘We know this is about First Nations justice.’
Disappointing things about the referendum
Ms Higginson said there were so many disappointing things about the way we’ve gone about this referendum. ‘I echo the comments of Laura Tingle today. I’m really disappointed with the media coverage of the “Yes” campaign and I think that there will be some strong days of reckoning to come.’
Janelle Saffin MP cast her votes at the Bexhill Public School before buying a democracy snag and lemonade. ‘It felt good to be able to go and vote “Yes” – it’s what I wanted to do.
A real opportunity to make a significant change
‘I see this as a real opportunity to make a significant change in the way that we include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in discussions about their futures, their immediate futures, about their policies about their way of life.
‘I’ve been a representative in Canberra – I know who gets a voice, and it’s not Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – lots of other people get voices, but without a representative body, so to speak.’
Ms Saffin said she has listened to a lot of the debate. ‘I’ve heard things said regarding our prime minister. The way I see it is the prime minister has shown absolute courage and conviction by putting before the Australian people something that he knows in his heart is fair and just to do.’
A mixed view of the referendum
Ms Saffin said there had been a mixed view of the referendum among her personal Indigenous freinds and colleagues. ‘Some feel uplifted, some feel disappointed. It’s been a mixture of feelings with people, but overwhelmingly, the feeling has been that this is a good thing to put before the Australian people.’
Yesterday Ms Higginson, who is also the Greens’ spokesperson for First Nations justice, said that despite indicative results of a ‘No’ vote, the NSW Greens remain steadfast and committed to a ‘Truth and Treaty’ process in NSW. ‘The referendum has caused untold hurt to First Nations communities and action on state-based treaties remains the priority for the Greens under the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) to achieve self-determination.
Much more work to be done
‘The results show that there is much more work to be done by non-First Nations Australians when it comes to achieving justice in this country, and in NSW.
‘Allies of the First Nations of Australia remain committed to the fight for First Nations justice and in NSW the Greens will be calling on the government to get on with establishing a treaty process to resolve historical wrongs against Australia’s first people.
‘The role that disinformation, and outright lies, have played in the referendum is deeply disturbing. I sincerely believe that the majority of Australians, in the majority of states, believe in an honest commitment to justice with First Nations people. This result does not reflect this country and NSW that I know.’
The Sovereign First Nations voices
Ms Higginson said the Greens will not stop campaigning and supporting state and federal bodies that are independent from colonial systems and that are reflective of Sovereign First Nations voices in this country. ‘The allies of First Nations Australia are ready to continue this campaign and will not stop until truth and treaty are a reality in NSW and this country.
‘To all of the mob out there, please hear us when we say that you are not alone and that the rights of Australia’s First People are important. Tomorrow is the beginning of the next fight and we are here for you and all fair-minded Australians.’
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