The Voice to Parliament Referendum
On Wednesday 30 August, the Prime Minister announced Saturday 14 October as the date for the significant Voice to Parliament Referendum.
Australia has had a total of 44 nation-wide referendums since 1901, some of which have been held at the same time with several different questions being asked.
Eight of the 44 have been successful those being in 1906 Senate Elections; 1910 State Debts; 1928 State Debts; 1946 Social Services; 1967 Aboriginal People; 1977 Referendums; 1977 Retirement of Judges; 1977 Senate Casual Vacancies.
In May 1967, the most successful referendum in history to date was held on the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution. The vote focused public attention on the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were treated as second-class citizens. 90.77 per cent of Australians voted to amend the Constitution. This change meant that Aboriginal people would be counted as part of the population and acknowledged as equal citizens, and that the Commonwealth would be able to make laws on their behalf.
Central Goldfields Councillors, after lengthy discussion, have agreed to remain neutral in our position. We represent the whole of the community with a cross section of beliefs and views. it is not our role to direct the community’s choices, it is however our job to inform.
Council officers have undertaken to provide a link on our Central Goldfields website directly to the Australian Government’s Voice website which will provide residents with the information needed to make an informed decision.
Council has also developed a Reconciliation Action Plan in consultation with the Dja Dja Wurrung which is currently with Reconciliation Australia for review, and we hope to adopt this plan in the coming months. That said not having a formal plan has not hindered our ongoing work with and support for Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders in our community. Regardless of the constitution, every effort should be made to close the gap.
I would also like to add the Referendum is a discussion not a sales pitch. I believe both sides of the Yes/No debate are currently doing each other an injustice.
The more we highlight differences we are causing a divide in thinking …. We must allow everyone to own their sentiments and the freedom to express their views at the polls.
Mayor Cr Grace La Vella
