Uluru Statement: This change must be embraced

Last week, our nation chose to hit reset on our political identity. It voted in a new government and, in doing so, signalled an appetite to aim higher in the spirit of active and inclusive citizenship. When the incoming Albanese Labor Government announced victory, it affirmed its full commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Uluru Statement paves a way forward for the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and structural reform — calling for a voice, truth-telling and treaty. And it’s a fair call because Australia, unlike the US, Canada and New Zealand, does not have a treaty with its Indigenous peoples.

But now, with the Government’s commitment firmly on the table, the referendum to vote “yes” for an Indigenous voice to Parliament is coming. This vote is important because it will correct history, and we need it to authentically and sustainably walk together in this new era.

The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is a proposal to ensure the government of the day has at its disposal the best possible advice when making laws in respect of this country and its people. At the same time, it aims to break the mould of political paternalism, systemic and social injustice and restore the process of Indigenous self-determination in a productive and inclusive way.

It does not mean a constitutionally entrenched seat or quota of seats in Parliament that are occupied by Indigenous parliamentarians — members of Parliament are elected representatives only. Rather, it’s a proposed advisory body that sits alongside ordinary parliamentary processes just like other representative bodies. It would support the ongoing co-creation of policies and projects in ways that have the very best chance of success.

Amending the Australian Constitution requires a majority of votes Federally and a majority of votes in a majority of states — known as a double majority. Of the 19 times Australians have been asked to vote on a change to the Constitution, only eight attempts have been successful. Fear that Australians are not “ready” to vote for positive change and to stand alongside First Nations peoples has been a political excuse for far too long.

But governments are beginning to understand that policies and programmes are always strengthened through inclusion, not division. An Indigenous Voice to Parliament can be legislated for, instead of constitutional change. It would be the easier path but not the trusted path nor the most successful one.

As with the previous National Aboriginal Congress, established under the Whitlam Government, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, established under the Hawke Government, (now both defunct), such bodies are entirely vulnerable to future changes and aspirations. A body created by the legislature is vulnerable to the whims of the legislature, whereas a body created by the people must be respected for good.

Big issues like reducing Indigenous incarceration, tackling the suicide epidemic and improving health, education and employment outcomes will undoubtedly be high on the agenda. But it’s the subtle changes that will truly transform our nation.

You only need to travel to the beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand to experience how a shared commitment to decolonisation creates awesome culturally immersive experiences. As with the warmth of a Kiwi’s welcoming “kia ora”, we may start to greet each other with “kaya”.

To learn more, visit ulurustatement.org and get prepared for the public campaign that has very real consequences for Indigenous people, our national identity and our international reputation. Let’s embrace this change, wholeheartedly, once and for all.

This article was first published in The West Australian in Renée Gardiner’s weekly column in Agenda, 28 May 2022.