Only a few days to go now, a lot of people have already voted in referendum pre-polling, but the many volunteers are still out there, having conversations, making the case for Yes. This extra newsletter includes final referendum related updates.
This is the time to accept the generous invitation extended by First Nations Australians in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Despite all the difficulties arising in the debate, we are hopeful there will be a Yes vote. Either way, a time of reflection and healing must follow. The debate has highlighted the underlying issues the nation is facing.
Reasons for Yes
ANTaR ACT committee members have been having many conversations about the referendum. As a result, we put together a formal statement of our Reasons for Yes (which we shared in a previous bulletin, including again here). Then we also have some less formal ideas for conversations with people who are unsure.
Here is our summary of the reasons ANTaR ACT committee members have given for voting Yes. For our full statement, see: Reasons for Yes – ANTaR ACT.
Here are suggestions from our committee member, Janet Hunt, for points that you could use to connect with friends over a coffee or at a pub – when talking to non-Indigenous people who have doubts about the Voice.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people been here thousands of years before us and have had a rough time since we all arrived – imagine if someone took your kids away for no reason? Sent them to school and they never came home?? And it’s no good saying ‘ just move on, it’s like some veterans with PTSD – they can’t “just move on”.
- And it’s time governments listened to Aboriginal people about what would work to improve things for them – governments have wasted so much money on programs that don’t work because they thought they knew better that the Aboriginal people, and that’s been a failure! Get Aboriginal advice on things that will work to make their lives better – they have many of the solutions but just don’t get funded to implement them.
- It will be good for us all if their levels of health, employment etc are the same as ours! They’ll be paying more taxes and the costs of their health, and disability care and social security payments will drop. And their lives will be better.
- Equality doesn’t always mean treat everyone exactly the same e.g. if there’s a shop with steps to get into it we don’t say people with disability have the same access to it as someone who can walk up the steps. We build a ramp! The Voice is the ramp!
- If governments hadn’t abolished every advisory body the Aboriginal people have had in the past they wouldn’t have insisted it be in the Constitution – that will protect it from being abolished if it gives some advice Governments don’t like.
Yes23 happenings
In person: Volunteers are out at pre-polling stations, as well as making phone calls and door knocking. There are still opportunities to get involved, especially in NSW regions around the ACT. If you can help (or know someone who might) in Tumbarumba, Bombala, Talbingo, Rosewood (call Leanne on 0407 991 854), Hay, Finley (call Toby on 0433 763 317 or Rob 0487 701 000).
Online: You can follow Yes campaign social media pages, and update your profile picture – see details here: Yes23: Generate Your Profile Picture – Selfie generator
Facebook pages to follow: ACT ANTaR | Facebook – ANTAR | Australia | Facebook – Yes23 | Facebook – The Uluru Statement from the Heart | Facebook. There are also many community pages set up, sharing experiences and supporting each other through the campaign. These include yes for all | Facebook and Artists for YES! YES!! YES!! | Facebook.
More about the Referendum and the Voice
So many articles – here are just a few. Also see our page for more: Learning about the Uluru Statement and 2023 Referendum – ANTaR ACT.
- Veteran journalist Stan Grant says media’s coverage of Voice to Parliament ‘terribly predictable’ – ABC News 7 Oct 2023
- Over 350 historians sign open letter and accept invitation of Uluru Statement – Uluru Statement from the Heart 6 Oct 2023
- Rapper Briggs on his viral video backing the voice: ‘I want to debunk the comments section’ | Indigenous voice to parliament | The Guardian 6 Oct 2023
- Ruth Hegarty has a message of hope for the Voice, despite living through a cruel chapter in Australia’s history – ABC News 8 Oct 2023
- Is it ethical non-Indigenous people get to decide on the Voice? Is it OK for one group to have rights others don’t? An ethicist weighs in (theconversation.com) 25 Sept 2023
- No, the Voice proposal will not be ‘legally risky’. This misunderstands how constitutions work (theconversation.com) 6 Sept 2023
- Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says there are no ongoing negative impacts of colonisation on Indigenous Australians. Is that correct? – ABC News RMIT ABC Fact Check, 22 Sep 2023
- Racism and democracy: why claims of ‘division by race’ in the NZ election and Voice referendum need challenging (theconversation.com) Dominic O’Sullivan, 20 Sept 2023
Finally
ANTaR ACT Committee: We welcome anyone to join us in organising activities and discussing current issues at our monthly online meeting. What ever the outcome, the next few months will be a time of reflection and making plans for how to continue to advocate for justice, rights and respect for Australia’s First Peoples – with a particular focus on ACT issues with the election in 2024. Our next meeting is on Monday 13 November at 6pm. Email us at Reasons for Yes – ANTaR ACT.
Here are suggestions from our committee member, Janet Hunt, for points that you could use to connect with friends over a coffee or at a pub – when talking to non-Indigenous people who have doubts about the Voice.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people been here thousands of years before us and have had a rough time since we all arrived – imagine if someone took your kids away for no reason? Sent them to school and they never came home?? And it’s no good saying ‘ just move on, it’s like some veterans with PTSD – they can’t “just move on”.
- And it’s time governments listened to Aboriginal people about what would work to improve things for them – governments have wasted so much money on programs that don’t work because they thought they knew better that the Aboriginal people, and that’s been a failure! Get Aboriginal advice on things that will work to make their lives better – they have many of the solutions but just don’t get funded to implement them.
- It will be good for us all if their levels of health, employment etc are the same as ours! They’ll be paying more taxes and the costs of their health, and disability care and social security payments will drop. And their lives will be better.
- Equality doesn’t always mean treat everyone exactly the same e.g. if there’s a shop with steps to get into it we don’t say people with disability have the same access to it as someone who can walk up the steps. We build a ramp! The Voice is the ramp!
- If governments hadn’t abolished every advisory body the Aboriginal people have had in the past they wouldn’t have insisted it be in the Constitution – that will protect it from being abolished if it gives some advice Governments don’t like.
Yes23 happenings
In person: Volunteers are out at pre-polling stations, as well as making phone calls and door knocking. There are still opportunities to get involved, especially in NSW regions around the ACT. If you can help (or know someone who might) in Tumbarumba, Bombala, Talbingo, Rosewood (call Leanne on 0407 991 854), Hay, Finley (call Toby on 0433 763 317 or Rob 0487 701 000).
Online: You can follow Yes campaign social media pages, and update your profile picture – see details here: Yes23: Generate Your Profile Picture – Selfie generator
Facebook pages to follow: ACT ANTaR | Facebook – ANTAR | Australia | Facebook – Yes23 | Facebook – The Uluru Statement from the Heart | Facebook. There are also many community pages set up, sharing experiences and supporting each other through the campaign. These include yes for all | Facebook and Artists for YES! YES!! YES!! | Facebook.
More about the Referendum and the Voice
So many articles – here are just a few. Also see our page for more: Learning about the Uluru Statement and 2023 Referendum – ANTaR ACT.
- Veteran journalist Stan Grant says media’s coverage of Voice to Parliament ‘terribly predictable’ – ABC News 7 Oct 2023
- Over 350 historians sign open letter and accept invitation of Uluru Statement – Uluru Statement from the Heart 6 Oct 2023
- Rapper Briggs on his viral video backing the voice: ‘I want to debunk the comments section’ | Indigenous voice to parliament | The Guardian 6 Oct 2023
- Ruth Hegarty has a message of hope for the Voice, despite living through a cruel chapter in Australia’s history – ABC News 8 Oct 2023
- Is it ethical non-Indigenous people get to decide on the Voice? Is it OK for one group to have rights others don’t? An ethicist weighs in (theconversation.com) 25 Sept 2023
- No, the Voice proposal will not be ‘legally risky’. This misunderstands how constitutions work (theconversation.com) 6 Sept 2023
- Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says there are no ongoing negative impacts of colonisation on Indigenous Australians. Is that correct? – ABC News RMIT ABC Fact Check, 22 Sep 2023
- Racism and democracy: why claims of ‘division by race’ in the NZ election and Voice referendum need challenging (theconversation.com) Dominic O’Sullivan, 20 Sept 2023
Finally
ANTaR ACT Committee: We welcome anyone to join us in organising activities and discussing current issues at our monthly online meeting. What ever the outcome, the next few months will be a time of reflection and making plans for how to continue to advocate for justice, rights and respect for Australia’s First Peoples – with a particular focus on ACT issues with the election in 2024. Our next meeting is on Monday 13 November at 6pm. Email us at Tasting Australia with Adam Shipp | National Museum of Australia (nma.gov.au)
The Visitors
The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre
Wednesday 8 – Saturday 11 November (multiple performances)
On a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. A mysterious fleet of giant nawi is amassing in the harbour and as they creep closer, these seven representatives must choose unanimously: whether to send these strangers on their way or welcome them? Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s The Visitors will be reworked for this brand new production directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated directors, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch, co-produced by Sydney Theatre Company and Moogahlin Performing Arts.
Bookings and more information: Canberra Theatre Centre.
Canberra Theatre Centre are proud to offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members discounted tickets to The Visitors. Please contact the Box Office on 02 6275 2700 to book.
WINHANGANHA – ACT Gala Premiere Screening
Arc Cinema
Wednesday 15 November, 6:30 PM
WINHANGANHA (Wiradjuri language: Remember, know, think) – is a lyrical journey of archival footage and sound, poetry and original composition. It is an examination of how archives and the legacies of collection affect First Nations people and wider Australia, told through the lens of acclaimed Wiradjuri artist, Jazz Money.
Bookings and more information: WINHANGANHA: A new work by award-winning poet and artist Jazz Money | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (nfsa.gov.au)
HEAL (Healthy Environments And Lives) National Research Network Conference
Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 November
HEAL is hosting its annual conference with the theme of ‘Collective Action for Health, Environment and Climate’. Over three days, HEAL 2023 will deliver opportunities to discuss the leading health, climate and environmental challenges we face in Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and internationally. In line with HEAL’s core commitment to supporting and elevating Australian First Nations leadership, we will be showcasing examples of Indigenous research excellence and highlighting inspiring case studies from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who are on the frontlines of climate and environmental change.
The hybrid conference will be delivered online nationally and internationally, and in-person at eight regional nodes across Australia (including ACT), providing multiple avenues for delegates to participate and connect with each other.
Registration and more information at: HEAL 2023 Conference – HEAL Network
ANTaR ACT wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Canberra is situated, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region. We would also like to acknowledge other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may visit this area.