Non-white indigenous Australians, just like non-white indigenous Americans, should strive for treaties and representation through the existing institutions, not through a separate ADVISORY, aka ceremonial, “council”.
Today, Sunday October 15th, Australian Indigenous leaders urge a week of contemplation following the resounding rejection of a constitutional referendum aimed at “acknowledging the country’s First Peoples“. Over 60% of Australians voted “No” in the recent referendum, which sought to amend the constitution to establish an Indigenous advisory body known as the “Voice to Parliament.” This body would offer non-binding advice to the Australian parliament.
A DIVISIVE ISSUE
The rejection has exposed division, with opposition coming from various quarters, including Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe, who quit the Green party over concerns about the Voice proposal. Thorpe advocates for a treaty between the government and Indigenous communities, similar to models in New Zealand and Canada. The conservative Liberal and National Parties also oppose the proposal, instead favoring a parliamentary committee to address the rights of native title holders, creating a “Recognise a Better Way” campaign. As for the major politican powers, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese campaigned hard for “Yes” but his critics claim this was a mistake, maybe his greatest so far. On the contrary, Opposition leader Peter Dutton said it was a referendum “that Australia did not need to have” and that it only ended up dividing the nation.
