First Nations groups say yes to a voice vote

LOCAL First Nations organisations have announced their support for a yes vote in the referendum to introduce an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice to Parliament.

Members of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-Operative and the board of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation held a smoking ceremony and announced their stance at Lake Wendouree’s View Point on Monday morning.

Wadawurrung woman, and recognition and negotiations general manager at the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Rebekah Devlin, presented on behalf of her organisation which “voted as a mob” to determine their campaign approach.

She said the broader community has been looking to Wadawurrung people to provide guidance, and board members want to show leadership and strength on the issue.

“At its heart, the upcoming referendum asks a very simple question, should Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the right to be consulted on matters that affect them?” she said.

“To that, we say in Wadawurrung, a resounding yee-yee, yes.

“While the political debate around the voice has been divisive, fear-based and damaging to First Peoples, the voice itself is not a divisive issue. In fact, far from it.

“The voice is an opportunity to unite, to recognise the past, while finding a positive and meaningful way to move forward together.

“To unite with renewed respect and hope and a determined effort to forge a new path for this beautiful land we all call home.”

Adnyamathanha Yuru man Shu Brown spoke on behalf of BADAC as chief executive of culture, public relations, and engagement.

He said the cooperative “wholeheartedly” supports the Australian constitution being altered to recognise the First Peoples of Australia, and now is the time to stand up and continue the work of BADAC’s predecessors, for future generations.

“Our organisation was founded on the backs and plight of strong, staunch Aboriginal leaders who identified and understood the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people living here, those who came to the Ballarat area of their own free will, or were forced here to the various children’s homes and orphanages,” he said.

“In 1979, these leaders established an organisation that provided culturally safe supports in a time where this was not always available for Aboriginal people in the public health, education, legal or housing system.

“Our people were turned away, judged, racially vilified, excluded and left feeling alone and unsupported by a country that 12 years prior, voted in a referendum to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as human beings in their own country, allowing them to vote and be included as citizens of Australia.

“Our vision is to be the strongest voice and presence in the Ballarat district, supporting and respecting our people, enhancing our community, growing our culture and honouring our heritage.”

Ms Devlin said ideal solutions can be discussed and carried out when the people affected are central to the problem-solving.

“Australia’s First Peoples are the world’s oldest living continuous culture, and there is much that can be learnt from listening to the wisdom of our elders and our people, and allowing us to inform and participate in matters of significance,” she said.

“While there are First Nations politicians in Federal Parliament, their role is to represent their constituents and political party, not to focus on First Nations issues.

“Right now, there are 11 First Nations politicians at a Federal level. In future parliaments, there may be none.

“A voice to Parliament will provide a centralised point for consultation, a group of First Nations people with broad lived-experience and direct community connection giving advice to government.

“An advisory group free from political interference and not subject to changes in government, ministers or political priorities of the day.”

As pre-polling continues, and the official voting day approaches on Saturday 14 October, Ms Devlin acknowledged that not all Traditional Owners, or wider community members, will share the same opinion.

But she encouraged people to have respectful dialogues, and “if you’re unsure, find out.”

“It’s not okay to just say, ‘I don’t know, so I’m going to vote no.’ Educate yourself… Go onto the Yes 23 website,” Ms Devlin said. “This is too important to be left to chance.

“We respect diverse opinions, but we ask that debate is done in a respectful and mindful manner, acknowledging the hurt and trauma that exists for many First People.

“We are asking the Australian community to vote yes in the upcoming referendum. We’re really excited and we want people to bring this home.”

Wadawurrung woman and cultural strengthening general manager at the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Corrina Eccles, welcomed the attendees of the formal announcement to country.