The Central Coast’s Labor MPs joined hundreds of residents last weekend in a strong show of support for the Yes vote in the October 14 referendum.
The Walk for Yes at The Entrance on Sunday, September 17 was organised by the Barang Regional Alliance and held in conjunction with rallies and walks all over the country.
About 500 participants gathered at North Entrance Park and walked across The Entrance bridge to take part in a barbecue at Memorial Park.
The referendum, to be held on October 14, will ask all enrolled voters in Australia to answer yes or no to altering the Constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
The MPs said the referendum was an opportunity to bring the country together; to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution and create a body that merged the wisdom of First Nations cultures with democratic traditions.
They are encouraging everyone on the Central Coast, and across Australia, to vote Yes for recognition and consultation recognition of one of the world’s oldest cultures and consultation to ensure better outcomes for Aboriginal people as we work to close the gap.
Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride said the referendum was about making practical progress for First Nations Australians with a focus on health, education, jobs and housing.
“It makes sense in the country of the ‘fair go’ that all Australians are given the very best chance in life,” she said.
“The best way to find out what you should do is to ask those who will be affected by your decisions.
“That is what the Voice is about; asking for advice and listening for better results.”
State Member for Wyong and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris congratulated Barang Regional Alliance for organising the walk.
“This has always been a community-led campaign with Aboriginal people advocating for constitutional recognition through a Voice for some time,” he said.
“By voting yes you will ensure there will be a body which may make representation to the government about issues that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“We know that when Aboriginal people have a direct say on issues that affect them, we get better outcomes.
“It is time to give them that Voice.”
State Member for The Entrance David Mehan said he was pleased to be able to show solidarity with First Nations people on the Central Coast in support of the Yes campaign.
State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said it was great to see so many Coasties coming out to support constitutional change and a Voice to Parliament.
“Having taught Aboriginal Studies I am acutely aware that the frameworks that exist will be significantly improved if we vote yes on October 14,” she said.
Voting is compulsory, with polling places to open around NSW from 8am-6pm on Saturday, October 14.
Early voting and postal voting detail is available at https://aec.gov.au/referendums/vote/find-my-polling-place.html
Source:
Central Coast Labor MPs