Australians have resoundingly rejected a proposal to recognise Aboriginal people in its constitution and establish a body to advise parliament on Indigenous issues.

Saturday’s voice to parliament referendum failed, with the defeat clear shortly after polls closed.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] -1 points 2 years ago (1 child)

Which a token gesture does absolutely nothing to change...

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    What's token about forcing the government of the day to take the optical damage from publicly dismissing the guidance of the official body representing indigenous community? Seems it would give them reason to reconsider as well as a great body to consult on how to best prioritise and address the issues facing the community.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] -1 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    Entirely depends on how it's to be structured. Which the public didn't vote on. Done correctly I do agree on the optics of an official body though.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    So it'll be good, or ineffective at worst. What's the issue?

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    Either way, some of us whities just don't feel comfortable determining the future of indigenous people.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    That's the point of the Voice though, isn't it - to give a body representing indigenous Australians a say in decisions relating to them.

    That's contrasted with the current situation, where the government selects an indigenous affairs minister, then optionally cherrypicks the indigenous representative bodies that support their agenda.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    There's nothing in the legislation that prevents the (predominantly white European) government from continuing to cherry pick. We don't need another excuse to be apathetic about indigenous issues.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    As I've said, they'll need to take the optical damage.

    So as you've said, you're not comfortable determining indigenous Australians' future, but you'll block the change supported by 80% of indigenous Australians, formed at the Uluru statement from the heart it because it isn't good enough for you - how on earth do you rationalise that obvious, massive contradiction?

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments