The case for the Voice can be traced through evidence, not opinion, not fear, not misinformation. PM Turnbull commissioned the largest ever consultation of First Nations people to find out how they wanted to be recognised in the Constitution.
The Uluru Convention that resulted reached near unanimous support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart that embedded the Voice as the first step towards greater control over their own lives.
Current policies and practices do not work. They perpetuate the disadvantage experienced. Self-determination, when allowed to work, produces empowered communities and greater wellbeing.
The Voice will be an elected, representative body giving advice to Parliament and senior officials, based on its members’ cultural and local knowledge. Parliament will negotiate its powers and functions. The Voice will have no veto and no legislative power. Parliament is not required to accept the advice.
They are the facts. The YES case as circulated to all voters has been independently assessed as truthful and factual, whilst the NO case has been independently assessed as full of misinformation.
Whilst many worry about lack of First Nations support for the Voice, the last polling of First Nations people indicated 80% support. Distrust in government is understandably high so opposition by some to a proposal that relies on government implementation, despite being devised by First Nations people, is also understandable.
Marg Lynn is a member of the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network.
Current policies and practices do not work. They perpetuate the disadvantage experienced. Self-determination, when allowed to work, produces empowered communities and greater wellbeing.
The Voice will be an elected, representative body giving advice to Parliament and senior officials, based on its members’ cultural and local knowledge. Parliament will negotiate its powers and functions. The Voice will have no veto and no legislative power. Parliament is not required to accept the advice.
They are the facts. The YES case as circulated to all voters has been independently assessed as truthful and factual, whilst the NO case has been independently assessed as full of misinformation.
Whilst many worry about lack of First Nations support for the Voice, the last polling of First Nations people indicated 80% support. Distrust in government is understandably high so opposition by some to a proposal that relies on government implementation, despite being devised by First Nations people, is also understandable.
Marg Lynn is a member of the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network.