We are now counting down the days until Queenslanders take part in the historic referendum on recognising Indigenous Australians in our constitution.
Many referendums have taken place in our nation’s history, but few have succeeded.
But this one is too important to let fail.
There is a lot at stake – for the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids, but also for all Australians.
With the best of intentions and substantial investment, past governments have tried and failed to come up with long-term, lasting solutions to the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
To name just a few:
– A life expectancy eight years shorter than non-indigenous Australians.
– Worse rates of disease and infant mortality.
– Suicide rate twice as high as non-indigenous Australians.
– Fewer opportunities for education and training
– Young indigenous males have a higher likelihood of incarceration than education.
None of us want to see that continue, but something needs to change.
The current approach isn’t working.
If we vote no to this referendum, it means more of the same.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have a long history of advocating to be heard.
But we haven’t always been good at listening, with lots of top down approaches that haven’t worked on the ground.
It makes sense to consult with those who are affected by decisions, to help close these gaps.
For all the nonsense that’s been said, the Voice is really an advisory board to the Parliament, with Parliament still in charge of making decisions.
We need health, housing bodies, and government decision-makers working together, listening to the voice of First Nations people to work towards closing the gap.
We know we get better results and better value for money when we listen to people.
This week I’m in Rockhampton, hosting a National Drought Forum, listening to farmers and rural communities about how we can best prepare for drought.
In the same way, we’ll get better results for Indigenous people by listening to them.
And the best way to achieve that is by establishing a constitutionally protected Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The Voice is an idea that’s come from Indigenous Australians, not from politicians.
It will include Indigenous representatives, elected by by Indigenous Australians, from every state and territory, the Torres Strait Islands, and from regional and remote communities.
By having direct consultation with community members across the country, we stand a much better chance at listening to the core of the issues and addressing them in a manner that will have long-standing results.
By voting Yes and implementing strategies to improve the quality of life and many issues facing our Indigenous culture, everyday Australians will see a financial benefit that will improve the economy.
It will mean government funding going to programs, initiatives, and regions that need it most, so money won’t be wasted on failed attempts to solutions that don’t work.
Closing the gap and showing improvement in any one of these challenges will see a significant boost in the Australian economy.
A more educated and skilled population will lead to growth in the jobs sector, lower child mortality and suicide will help alleviate the strain and lower the cost of the medical sector.
Less incarceration will boost the workforce and free up public funding to much-needed sectors like housing and infrastructure.
And it gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders a chance to take greater responsibility for their own lives, now and in the future.
The Voice was a gracious offer, made by Indigenous people at the constitutional convention in 2017 through the Uluru Statement of the Heart.
And really, it is about three things and three things only.
Recognising our First Nations people in our nation’s birth certificate, listening to their advice on matters that affect them, and achieving better results.
Parliaments and governments will still make decisions, but those decisions will be better when we listen to the people they affect.
This is the opportunity for Queenslanders to be a part of history and lead the nation forward.
Let’s not close the door on the chance to deliver the better results we all know are needed.
