The Central Coast Greens have thrown their support behind the Yes campaign for this year’s referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Media officer Imogen da Silva said the Greens recognised that truth-telling and Treaty making was crucial for healing the relationship between First Nations people and those who colonised their land in 1788 and beyond.
“We acknowledge that their land was never ceded and that acknowledging this truth is essential for our national identity and collective mental and spiritual health,” she said.
“Multiple treaties need to be made with the many Nations that originally lived in what we now call Australia.
“These treaties should be constitutionally binding and made in the identifiable language of the particular nation or tribe, as well as in other languages, including English, that form part of our current multicultural landscape.
“To achieve truth and Treaty, we need the Voice to succeed.
“We have listened to the call for such a Voice from First Nations representatives and respect that call.
“If the Voice to Parliament succeeds in the referendum but is silenced either directly or covertly by those opposed to the interests of indigenous peoples, we will stand by these representatives and continue to call for, lobby and promote truth-telling and Treaty.”
The Greens have called on all Coasties to vote yes in the referendum on the Voice, “understanding that this is not party political but cuts across all people and is ultimately for the benefit of the entire country”.
“By hearing the wishes of those whose people suffer in many areas of our society, we can enable their empowered voices to see action taken to redress the particular challenges they face in areas such as housing, health and incarceration rates,” da Silva said.
“The Central Coast Greens see the Voice to Parliament as not just an end in itself but as a vehicle for a greater understanding of our nation’s past as well as present challenges.
“And ultimately, we believe it can lead to true reconciliation through formal treaties.”
Source:
Central Coast Greens