Two members of the Barang Regional Alliance have urged Central Coast residents to vote yes in the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Barang Regional Alliance is a not-for-profit Aboriginal organisation supporting the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on Darkinjung Land on the Central Coast.
It advocates to reform current thinking, systems and processes to deliver more effective service delivery outcomes and accountability to the Central Coast Aboriginal community.
The organisation’s Operations Manager Gary Field and Youth Engagement Co-ordinator Jacob Smeaton said the referendum was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to recognise First Nations people in our constitution to ensure there is lasting change.
“Constitutional enshrinement of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and embedding the Uluru Statement from the Heart in the foundations of this country’s law is nothing but a positive reform for the Australian community,” they said.
“Constitutional enshrinement rightfully recognises the history of this country and the oldest continuing culture and people from anywhere across the globe.
“As young Aboriginal men who have been born and nurtured on Darkinjung Country on the Central Coast we see this as an opportunity and obligation to raise awareness of what will be the most significant decision facing First Nations people since the 1967 referendum.
“When our parents were born less than a decade had passed since Aboriginal people were no longer flora and fauna and were counted as citizens in what is the most successful referendum in Australian history.
“In the second half of 2023, Australians eligible to vote will go to the ballot box and answer the following question, ‘A proposed law: To alter the constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?’.
“This Voice will not have veto powers.
“It will not have the power to override policymakers’ decisions, nor will it be able to pass new legislation.
“However, it generously asks that First Nations people are consulted and advise on things that matter to us.”
The men said Barang Regional Alliance was made up of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, independent Aboriginal community members and associate member organisations and works with all levels of government to propose initiatives and advise on matters relating to the needs of the Aboriginal community.
“We have been on a journey and faced many challenges over the past decade to bring together a unified voice and drive better outcomes for our community,” they said.
“It is now recognised that Barang has become a strong regional voice for our community.
“Barang has been responsible for key reforms that have led to the growth of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and better service of the Central Coast community.
“The success of Barang and other regional governance structures are dependent on the ongoing commitment of government.
“As we have seen over the past decade, there have been various changes in leadership and with that comes new commitments, ministers, budgets, and policies.
“In the coming months you will hear terms such as constitutional-enshrinement and referendum.
“We invite you to respectfully engage in conversations, to weed out the mistruths and get advice from trusted sources.
“Don’t believe the myths around veto powers and third chambers in parliament; it simply isn’t true.
“This significant reform is about enshrining a First Nations voice into the constitution.
“The Australian Constitution is the founding document of this nation, it sets out how we interact with legislation and government and who is responsible for it.
“First Nations people humbly request that our voices be heard and considered in that process.”
The men said the detail of what the Voice would look like is outlined in comprehensive reports produced by Professor Marcia Langton and Professor Tom Calma.
These include the Indigenous Voice Co-design Process Final Report, Final Report of the Referendum Council and Report from the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
“The constitution serves as a fundamental framework for our nation, outlining our guiding principles and the structure of our government,” they said.
“What a perfect place to include First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“The constitution is not intended to delve into intricate details but rather provide a broad foundation for governance.
“Therefore, the constitution is not the ideal platform for addressing specific details of policies or programs, as those can be more effectively handled through legislation and regulations.”
The men said the Uluru Statement from the Heart was the final piece of what were years of work including regional dialogues with Aboriginal communities across Australia, ending in 2017 at the Constitutional Convention, with hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and young people involved.
“We have been fortunate enough to represent our community as Aboriginal young people in the Uluru Statement from the Heart Youth Dialogue, where our voices are listened to by leadership and our inputs included within the campaign,” they said.
“The Voice also plays an important role in including the voices of young people which has been embedded throughout the journey of the Uluru Statement and is key to ensuring that the future generations are included equally in decision-making and reform.
“As we face a once-in-a-generation opportunity to recognise First Nations people in our constitution and make lasting change, your own leadership and support for these issues will be critical.
“It is you who can make the change to improve Australia for all future generations.”
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Gary Field and Jacob Smeaton