AFTER four years in the Northern Territory working with Indigenous Australians in education on communities and another five years in the Northern Territory at a high security prison, I witnessed a disproportionate number of Indigenous inmates (over 80 per cent) and major gaps in education and health.
I was teaching on a remote community when the 1992 High Court Mabo decision was passed. There was a sense of relief as people celebrated a decision recognising that our country was occupied before the British arrived.
Another positive landmark decision was the 1967 referendum recognising Indigenous Australians as citizens of Australia. Over 90 per cent of Australians voted YES.
This current referendum is a chance to move forward once again as a nation. The Voice to Parliament has 80 percent support from Indigenous Australians.
Let’s join with Indigenous Australians harmoniously - the longest continuing culture in the world.
A YES vote means Indigenous Australians have an advisory body (not law-making) to help inform the government and parliament on smart choices in relation to their own people. It will also save government money by managing support agencies that work and are less likely to be dismantled or mismanaged.
Do we want to reflect on ourselves and be viewed internationally as a fearful nation not willing to support and give our First Nations People a fair go?
A YES vote will have no adverse impact on our lives and will improve the outcomes for our Indigenous Australians bridging some major gaps.
See through the confusion, misinformation, and fear circulating and…vote YES.
Chris Johnstone, Mansfield.
