Voice to parliament referendum fails in defeat that Indigenous advocates will see as a blow to progress towards reconciliation

Australians have resoundingly rejected a proposal to recognise Aboriginal people in its constitution and establish a body to advise parliament on Indigenous issues.

Saturday’s voice to parliament referendum failed, with the defeat clear shortly after polls closed.

  • Karlach@lemmy.worldEnglish
    182·
    1 year ago

    Voters were asked if they approved an alteration to the Australian Constitution that would recognise Indigenous Australians in the document through prescribing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice that “may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples”.

    In other words, Australians were asked if they approve the indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination. Most of Australia said no.

    Indigenous Australians: “Hi, you colonized our land. Please can we at least decide our future in your imperial nightmare?”

    39%: “Of course”

    60%: “Nah mate”

    Disturbing.

    • Seudo@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      Wot? Absolutely nothing stoping parliament from listening to the numerous recommendations that would improve the standard of living or life expectancy of indigenous people. Why would you think a few token lines in the constitution will change that?

    • Ilandar@aussie.zoneEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      It won’t change until Australians learn about, and accept, the real history of their country. Many No voters fundamentally do not understand the simple point you are making about colonisation and sovereignty. To them, Indigenous Australians are just another minority group. People do not understand why they are inherently different and special when we are talking about these issues.