Voices for Change Fall Silent after Reconciliation Referendum
On Sunday, both metaphorically and literally, it all went silent. After the reconciliation referendum supporting the Voice to Parliament was defeated, Indigenous campaigners declared a week of mourning.
The campaign supporting the Voice called the 61-39 referendum result “bitter irony,” expressing disappointment that newcomers to the continent would refuse to recognize the true owners of Australia.
Other First Nations people criticized the result, stating that “White Australia” had made the decision for them once again. Nerita Waight, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, attributed the outcome to racism and believed it would negatively impact reconciliation and healing.
During a press conference, Indigenous woman Aunty Esme Bamblett emphasized the role of conservative media in spreading disinformation, calling for truthful reporting and fair representation in the media.
The media’s response to these concerns has been criticized, as Indigenous voices calling out racism were largely ignored or attacked, while media outlets celebrated the result. The voting patterns revealed a divide between capital cities and regional areas, with Indigenous regions overwhelmingly supporting the Voice.
The impact of Indigenous Affairs Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s involvement in the campaign was significant, attracting a conservative following. However, her claims that Aboriginal people no longer suffered from colonization faced opposition from Indigenous groups.
Some argue that the Liberal/National Coalition’s approach to the referendum only exacerbated division and neglected the needs of Indigenous Australians. Regardless, politicians will not experience the full consequences of the referendum like those on the frontier.
The alarming rates of suicide and the significant disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in various metrics highlight the existing racial divide in the country. The Voice, while imperfect, would have provided First Nations people with some control over their lives.
Unfortunately, the status quo remains, and the unique opportunity for change has been lost.