Thinking about Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week from May 27th-3rd June is a time for all people, from the different cultures that call Australia home, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike to reflect on our shared history and work towards a unified and equitable future together.
Reflections on The Voice Referendum 2023
In light of the recent referendum results, it is important to unpack influencing factors that led to the defeat of the proposal for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. There needed to be a majority nationally as well in four of the six states. The ACT was the only territory that had a majority of Yes votes, with every other state and territory voting against the Voice. Despite polls leading up to the referendum anticipating a loss, there was shock as to how far we swung to ‘No’ as a nation (60.52% nationally). The technological and political landscape’s influence on the large-scale engagement process are necessary considerations as we reflect on what has happened and where we go from here.
Indigenous Voice to Parliament
Voting in a referendum is community engagement at a national scale. The Indigenous Voice to Parliament has been a topic of current public debate as referendum day gets closer. It is important to consider the history of the Voice, its function and the process of the referendum in order to stay informed and make a decision that reflects our current values as a nation.