Post by NFA on Sept 12, 2023 8:14:30 GMT 8
[ NFA says, this is not an LtE but an electoral communication in FNQ ]
The Hon. Warren Entsch MP
Federal Member for Leichhardt
Federal Member for Leichhardt
Our country faces many challenges, including rising living costs.
The upcoming referendum on 14 October is also very important.
If you need a postal vote, you can apply online at www.postal.vote
This referendum is not simply about recognising Indigenous Australians as the first peoples in the Constitution - which is a historical fact - and I suspect would garner overwhelming support on its own.
But this Voice proposal goes much further. It would be the biggest change to our Constitution in history.
It risks legal challenges. The High Court would ultimately determine its powers.
My concern is about outcomes on the ground.
I suspect that things will continue on as they have since the inception of Indigenous policy in this country.
Whereby, we have self-appointed Indigenous leaders who are predominantly metropolitan academics that provide advice to Government - while the voices of remote communities remain largely unheard.
Real issues in relation to housing, health, employment and reforms to native title that need addressing are now further delayed because the Government would rather pretend that the Voice will fix everything.
This is a big decision. However, the Government refuses to provide basic details.
We don’t know how the Voice’s members would be chosen or how it would operate.
Australians are being asked to vote before these details are worked out.
When we need to unite the country, this divides us.
I am personally saying no, but ultimately it is a decision for every individual Australian to make.
The upcoming referendum on 14 October is also very important.
If you need a postal vote, you can apply online at www.postal.vote
This referendum is not simply about recognising Indigenous Australians as the first peoples in the Constitution - which is a historical fact - and I suspect would garner overwhelming support on its own.
But this Voice proposal goes much further. It would be the biggest change to our Constitution in history.
It risks legal challenges. The High Court would ultimately determine its powers.
My concern is about outcomes on the ground.
I suspect that things will continue on as they have since the inception of Indigenous policy in this country.
Whereby, we have self-appointed Indigenous leaders who are predominantly metropolitan academics that provide advice to Government - while the voices of remote communities remain largely unheard.
Real issues in relation to housing, health, employment and reforms to native title that need addressing are now further delayed because the Government would rather pretend that the Voice will fix everything.
This is a big decision. However, the Government refuses to provide basic details.
We don’t know how the Voice’s members would be chosen or how it would operate.
Australians are being asked to vote before these details are worked out.
When we need to unite the country, this divides us.
I am personally saying no, but ultimately it is a decision for every individual Australian to make.
