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Australian gov't introduces Indigenous referendum bill in parliament

10 Comments
By Renju Jose

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"very fast" it just took more than 100 years...

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

The issue of indigenous people in Australia is one that cannot be solved. A race of people have had their country invaded, their land stolen, and their ancient way of life and social structures - that date back 40,000 years - destroyed. After 150 years of marginalisation and abuse there is no route to resolving the fundamental issues. The stolen baby policy tried to turn indigenous into good Europeans, and failed. More recent policies have been subtler - educational scholarships and the like - but are really just a further attempt to turn "them" into "us". The hypocritical Welcome to Land statements say it all. Paraphrasing, the typical statement is "We know this was your land. We know we stole your land. Tough luck." The Voice in Parliament will be more of the same hypocrisy.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Another pointless exercise in tokenism, just like the "welcome to country" tripe.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Although a nice gesture on the surface, like everything the devil is always in the details. There’s talk and concerns that First Nation people may end up being manipulated by the left trying to further their own agendas as well as serving only to inflame a problem it claims to be solving. In effect people losing their voice to noise and things getting worse. A cruel irony that would be.

Reconciliation, reparations, collective guilt , victimhood, equity and entitlement these are all very complex and controversial hot topics. Hoping Aussies can keep their dignity while they have them. Not turn into America ( sorry guys! ) basically.

Some have voiced concerns that the details of the proposed ‘voice’ , as well as its reach and scope, remain deliberately opaque and vague. This has led to suspicions that the it will not be an exercise in due process nor transparency., and only a back door power grab .Our robust and sophisticated democratic system and constitution guarantees everyone a voice anyway. We are all equally part of the system, we all have the vote and no one is out their to take that away from anyone. So what’s it all about?

In that sense the call for a referendum is a good thing, as those making the proposals will be obliged to disclose what this all means for the future of the nations political system. Whatever happens I have faith in our system and look forward to seeing what’s on offer and on the table. Watch this space if you like our little Aussie battler version of politicking! Never a dull moment down under!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Next should be compensation to the 40000 year inhabitants from the British commonwealth.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

@Ricky Kaminski13 So are you saying aussies should not reconcile, have no guilt after all the years of reaping the benefits of oppressing the indigenous people? After all the European Aussie settlers still benefit from it to this day, so why should the indigenous people not get reparation. I think it is a small step in the right direction. Question? Are you are one of the entitled or should I say privileged that think not! Just asking! Whether America or Australia or anywhere in the world the European privileged mind set will never change.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Ricky it's a bit like saying

We are sorry but only as far as you accept the limits of our apologies.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Kaimycahi and buchailldana , everyone wants to atone for the past and Australia has done much over the last decades (since Ive been born anyway), to do this very thing and make amends. Look at any large conference or political speech, even school assemblies and watch the proceedings open with a stated recognition to the traditional owners of the land, all done with the utmost authenticity and respect. For years a plethora of efforts have been made with regards to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders issues. This next step 'the voice' though, may see an unelected group of select people wielding power over our already functional political system, so it definitely needs to be approached smartly and debated in full as to what it all means. You don't change a constitution lightly.

If you want to jump straight to the finger-pointing and claims of systemic racism though its a simpleton's fight, but that doesn't get anyone anywhere, hence the referendum. Theres already some very good conversations available on this issue, this one in particular with former deputy prime minister John Anderson and Australia's preeminent constitutional law Professor Nicholas Aroney. If you are interested in the full debate feel free to have a look. No one wants to keep anyone down, Aussies are by in large well-meaning folk brought up in a culture that seeks a fair go for everyone. Heres a link to the conversation if you want to find your voice, gotta know the complexities of the talk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs4TMsSQnOI&t=0s

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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