Australians like to believe we are a nation of open hearted, laid-back people.
Unfortunately, the Voice referendum indicates we are anything but.
Scared, spiteful, angry, prone to conspiracy theories, tired, disheartened and divisive are just some of the words I could use to describe the “debate” around the Voice.
It feels like the referendum has taken over from Covid as ground zero for conspiracy theories. Apparently, it is a communist plot or a sneaky land grab which will see us all lose our backyards (if they do take over mine, can they do something about the state of the lawn, and stop the dog digging holes everywhere?). Or land titles will grab our beaches and “white people” will have to pay to live here.
If it wasn’t so disheartening, it would be funny.
And although huge crowds turned out to support the Yes campaign in capital cities right across the country last weekend, the polls all show support for the No vote steadily rising.
I’ve heard arguments that the Voice will divide us, and gives an unfair advantage to Indigenous Australians. But data from the ABS show our First Nations people are some of the most disadvantaged in the country. When a group of people have shorter life expectancy, worse health outcomes, higher rates of infant mortality, the approach has to be about equity, not equality.
A Yes vote in the referendum is the chance to both recognise First Nations people in the constitution and to find a different approach to dealing with the issues they face.
As singer-songwriter Paul Kelly wrote recently “There is a huge and stubborn gap in health, education and opportunities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. That yawning gap is unfair and diminishes us all … fairness cuts both ways. Having a voice gives people responsibility as well as agency.”
As Paul Kelly said, “No leaves us nowhere. Yes breathes in new air”.
I believe the referendum is a chance for Australia to take a step forward and to improve the outcomes for indigenous Australians.
I believe it is time for change.
Each of us can use our voice, our vote, to help make that change happen.
On October 14, I am voting Yes, and I hope the majority of my fellow Australians will too.
If not now, then when? If not us, then who?
