A bill to alter the constitution and enable the Indigenous voice has passed the federal parliament ahead of Australia’s first referendum in 24 years to be held later in 2023.
The Senate passed the bill on Monday 52 votes to 19, confirming the wording of the constitutional change to be put to the Australian people. The draft legislation passed the lower house last month.
I’m excited for it.
Personally I see it in a much wider context and care very little about the detail. I understand people care about the detail, but to me they miss the point. In my view the referendum on the voice is a simple stepping stone and exercise in us “the establishment” giving up power to those that should have more. It’s a litmus test.
Having read a bit about the statement from the heart, the fronteir wars, push for treaty and sophistication of indigenous culture I see justice as a significant motivation. but beyond that, I primarily see the voice as an action towards a version of Australia where we are all immensely proud of the indigenous culture that flows through the veins of this land.
I mean how good would it be to break the corporate shackles of the ‘bunings snag’ and and hold up our indigenous culture as the cornerstone of Australian identity?
How good would it be to live in a society where a kid can stand up in class and be as proud of their indigenous heritage as a kid can currently regarding their heritage as a bush ranger or a convict?
The ‘debate’ over the voice is showing we’re a long way from that. But yeah, I’m excited by the prospect we might get closer.