Minister for Indigenous Australians
“Mum, why would Australia say no to us having a voice?” my 9-year-old asked.
It was referendum night, and the No votes were coming in across the country on the television broadcasts.
I hugged my daughter and said, “a lot of Australians want us to have a voice, it was just not enough Australians. But hey, we get up tomorrow and we keep going my daughter. There’s always another sunrise.”
Today marks one year since Australians voted on whether to change the Constitution to include an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
I was heartened by the more than six million Australians who voted ‘Yes.’
And by the strong ‘Yes’ vote in remote Indigenous communities, including Wadeye with 92 per cent, Maningrida with 88 per cent and the Tiwi Islands with an 84 per cent ‘Yes’ vote.
I remain proud that the Albanese Government delivered on the Prime Minister’s election-night commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and our promise to First Nations people to take the Voice to a referendum.
And I respect the wishes of the Australian people and the democratic system that allows us all to have a say and be part of big decisions.
In the 12 months since, I’ve been moved by the resilience of First Nations people, despite the deep hurt still felt by many.
As a government, we remain committed to the principles of truth-telling and Makarrata.
But as Minister for Indigenous Australians, I don’t want to see Indigenous Affairs weaponised, as it was during the referendum campaign.
What we say as political leaders, matters.
I’m determined to move forward so that one day we can be a country where First Nations peoples have the same opportunities for a happy, healthy life as their fellow Australians.
The most recent Closing the Gap data shows we still have a long way to go.
First Nations peoples continue to experience disadvantage characterised by high rates of poor health, poverty, incarceration, and overwhelmingly, a general lack of empowerment.
If we want to end this disadvantage once and for all, we need to work differently.
Since becoming Minister, I have been meeting with colleagues across the Parliament to seek a bipartisan and multi-party approach to Closing the Gap.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Agreement on Closing the Gap is a common accord between us all.
It’s a commitment from all Australian governments and the Coalition of Peaks, representing more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak organisations, and demonstrates a marked shift in the way governments work to drive change for First Nations people.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Agreement sets out four Priority Reforms that have been directly informed by First Nations people: ensuring that policies and programs are created and delivered in partnership with First Nations people; building the community-controlled sector; transforming mainstream institutions; and sharing data and information.
If we implement these things well, we can improve life outcomes for First Nations people.
While the latest Closing the Gap data indicated only five of the 19 targets are ‘on track’, it’s heartening to see progress being made in a further five targets in areas such as housing, youth engagement and further education pathways.
Far more needs to be done but I am optimistic that we can make a difference if we back up our commitments with firm action.
Like our new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program that will create 3,000 new jobs with proper wages and decent conditions.
Like our 10-year housing agreement, designed to halve overcrowding in Aboriginal communities.
Like our ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.
Like our commitment to deliver 30 dialysis units for First Nations peoples in regional and remote Australia with end-stage kidney disease.
Like the largest commitment to justice reinvestment ever delivered by the Commonwealth.
Improvements in these areas will change lives.
The morning after the referendum, my husband woke us and announced, “Sunday is Yes day.”
True to his word everything the girls asked for, was answered in the affirmative.
How many ice creams, lollies and play rides they had, I lost count.
But the smiles on their faces gave me hope for their future and the future of all First Nations children.
