Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au

Aaron Bunch
PM’s Garma push for Voice referendum

The prime minister has recommended changes to the constitution and committed to a public vote on an Indigenous Voice in an historic speech in Arnhem Land.

July 30, 2022

Australia could be on the cusp of historic change, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese outlining plans for constitutional amendments and a referendum for an Indigenous Voice to parliament.

His speech delivered in the Northern Territory at Garma Festival drew cautious approval from Indigenous leaders but failed to impress a skeptical federal opposition.

Mr Albanese recommended adding three sentences to the constitution to establish the voice, as a starting point for discussion.

“I am determined, as a government, as a country, that we grasp that hand of healing, we repay that faith, we rise to the moment,” he told the crowd of about a thousand people in northeast Arnhem Land on Saturday.

“I believe the country is ready for this reform. I believe there is room in Australian hearts for the Statement from the Heart.”

He said the suggested phrasing may not be the final words but it was a good place to start.

“We are seeking a momentous change – but it is also a very simple one,” he said to a applause and cheers in a crowded tin shed at Gulka, a significant ceremonial site overlooking the ocean from a stringybark forest.

The prime minister also revealed a referendum question that could be put to Australians, which was: do you support an alteration to the constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?

“A straightforward proposition. A question from the heart,” he said.

After the speech, Mr Albanese walked off stage and warmly shook hands with Indigenous leader Galarrwuy Yunupingu, who pulled the prime minister in close, pointing his finger at him as he spoke.

According to Yolngu woman Mayatili Marika, who was sitting next to Mr Yunupingu, the former Australian of the Year asked the prime minister if he could hold him to his word to which Mr Albanese replied: Absolutely.

Whether the prime minister can keep his word remains to be seen, with the opposition raising questions about the lack of detail and how the proposed voice would work.

“I want to see something that unites Australians and doesn’t divide them,” deputy leader Sussan Ley said.

It was echoed by the Liberal Party’s new Indigenous Australians spokesman, Julian Leeser, who said it was important people understood what is being proposed by a Voice.

“Who will serve on it? How they will be chosen? What it will do and how will how will it effect people?” he said.

“You will need to see that detail from the government before you will make a decision about whether you’ll support this.”

The commitment was welcomed by the Indigenous leaders behind the development of the Uluru Statement, which called for the Voice to be established.

“It’s great to have these words released for the next stage of public debate,” Dialogue co-chair Megan Davis said.

“The draft question and amendment are the culmination of more than five years of drafting.”

Yothu Yindi Foundation board member Djawa Yunupingu, the brother of Galarrwuy Yunupingu, was also pleased with the development but he reminded the festival that former prime ministers had made commitments to Indigenous people in previous generations and not kept them.

“It has hurt us a lot to hear these promises made to our faces only to see the promises betrayed,” he said.

“Now we’re into 2022. We are hearing words from a prime minister … understanding the seriousness of the business and, I’ll be honest, these words are lifting our spirits.”

Mr Albanese is undoubtedly aware of the long and troubling history of Indigenous reconciliation. He repeated calls for bipartisan support and urge Australians to engage on the issue.

“Enshrining a Voice will be a national achievement. It will be above politics,” he said.

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