As discussions on the Yes or No debate for the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum heat up, an elected district council mayor has cautioned the public not to take the issue lightly.
Naracoorte-Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross told The [Naracoorte Community] News that a referendum was a “very serious matter”, and that it was vitally important that the population was very clear on the actual question being asked.
“And it is vitally important that the population is very clear on what the actual question is that is being asked of them and that the information around this question is clear and unambiguous,” Mr Ross said.
He said a referendum was a very powerful tool to gauge the response of the population at large to a question or issue.
“Referendum is carried out by the Commonwealth Government from time to time to generally ask a single question of the Australian people on an issue to change our Constitution, it’s a very powerful tool to gauge the response of the population.
“It is my opinion that even though this discussion has been occurring within our community for many months, there has been very little substance around which I would be able to make an informed decision.
“I listened with interest this week when Professor Clem McIntyre (Politics, Flinders University) stated on an ABC radio interview that the pamphlets coming from the Australian Electoral Commission, one for the “Yes” vote and the other for the “No” vote on the issue of The Voice, were “propaganda” for both positions and lacked in fact.
“This is not what the Australian public should expect or accept,” Mr Ross said.
He said he was always open to reasoned debate on a matter but had yet to witness what either a change to the Constitution may look like or the effect of any change to the Constitution.
“The Australian Constitution is for all, and it has never been differentiated by race, colour, or creed.
Our democracy is based on the rule of law and the opportunity to be represented by someone from our community, with whom you can have direct contact and, in doing so, influence the decision-makers in the Parliament.
“When a change is made to our Constitution, it becomes enshrined within the document and may not be changed without going to the people again with another referendum.
“One can only hope that our political leaders get this right.
“Over the following few months, everyone must be asking their government representative to give us all some clarity, so in the event that we are asked to make a decision on a change to the Constitution, we are fully informed.
“We are one Australia for all Australians.”
Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Susan Close told this newspaper that the importance of The Voice was not limited to the way in which it can address inequality, racism, and dispossession.
“It also offers Australians a large step towards true reconciliation and recognition of First Nations people.
“The Voice is an advisory body that will allow First Nations people to give their advice on the decisions that directly affect their lives, be it education, health, or justice outcomes,” she said.
Ms Close said she would be campaigning for a yes vote and encouraged all South Australians to vote yes in this important referendum, which she claims is a step forward to reconciliation.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
