At a later part this year, Australia is expected to have a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice enshrined in our Constitution.
This federal referendum is a national vote on a question about whether part of the Constitution should change which all Australian citizens aged 18 and over must vote.
The Filipino Community
As part of Filipino heritage and as we embrace this beautiful country Australia as our second home, we should take an active participation in this critical social issue. Aware of some critical questions such as:
“How about our Filipino Voice? Will this cause discrimination of different backgrounds?
Do we really need to recognise one voice over the other voices?”
… we should step back to see clearly what is in front of us: meaning – we need to have a clearer level of reasoning and understanding so that we can vote meaningfully and responsibly.
But first and foremost: our Filipino communities and leaders here in Australia should discuss this Voice Referendum and help in informing and educating our “Kababayan” (fellow Filipinos). Sadly, many of us have apathetic response on current issues. As Filipinos, we should elevate our intellectual and social interest. We Filipinos love to talk about showbiz; one reason why it’s popular among us the word “Marites” which colloquially means “people who love to gossip.”
But now, do we discuss in the Filipino community the Voice Referendum?
Do we care? Or will some of us just randomly vote Yes or No without thinking?
As part of Australian community, it is our chance now to take part of this momentous event – where through our votes and engagements, we do our duty as responsible citizens of this country. WE SHOULD LET THE FILIPINO VOICE BE HEARD IN THIS REFERENDUM BY ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL DIALOGUES. WHETHER YOU VOTE FOR YES OR NO: THAT’S OKAY. THE IMPORTANT THING IS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY TO KNOW, AND FEEL, THAT FIL-AUSSIES ARE NOT FENCE SITTERS.
My Personal Take
I would like to present here both sides, but I would also like to articulate my stand, for reasons I will discuss. However, I would still encourage all of you to weigh your reasons and decide for what you think is right, and for what is better. I respect your own opinions but let us learn to listen to other “voices.”
Historically, we Filipinos came from a country which was colonised for 333 years by Spain; then, occupied by Japan and USA. As a nation, we suffered so much from the abuses of foreign invaders. Ultimately, and subconsciously, we lost our unique cultural identity. BUT we survived. Filipinos are resilient. As individuals, we managed to elevate ourselves to be independent and to be successful in our endeavours whether we stay in the Philippines or migrate to another country.
With all the psycho-social baggage we carry deep within our core – this is the very reason why we should know the importance of BEING RECOGNISED AS A FILIPINO RACE. As a nation, we want the global community to recognise the beauty and achievements of our country.
This is the same reason why we need to respect the original owners of this land Australia. We should be able to sympathise with their sentiments knowing what happened to our own country The Philippines from the hands of invaders.
This referendum is whether we want to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. As a conscious and moral being, I feel that it is but right to give proper recognition to our Aboriginal brothers. This referendum formalises this recognition.
Is this bad? Conscience will dictate that to support this and vote Yes is the right decision.
What harm will it to do to us, as a country, if this Voice succeeds? I am optimistic that it will be for the better. Many of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters were abused within their own land for many decades – and how can we help them to heal this social trauma and burden? For me: the answer is to recognise them and vote Yes in this coming referendum.
When we vote Yes, we embrace them as our “own,” as our brothers and sisters. RECOGNITION SHOULD NOT BE EXPENSIVE; AND IT IS UPSETTING TO KNOW THAT WE NEED THIS REFERENDUM JUST TO FORMALISE THIS RECOGNITION WHEN WE SHOULD HAVE GIVEN THIS RESPECT LONG TIME AGO. BUT IT IS NOT YET TOO LATE. NOW IS THE TIME. NOW IS THE TIME TO VOTE YES.
The Anti-Thesis
However, to my surprise, I know some Aboriginal groups which do not support this Voice Referendum. AND THAT IS OKAY. That is why we need dialogues, intellectual and respectful conversations so that we can formulate our own rational decision.
I asked my friend Ken Canning, a noted Aboriginal activist and poet based here in Sydney, Australia, why he opposed the Voice referendum. This is what he said:
“The whole process has been funded by large mining companies such as Rio Tinto and BHP, as well as major banks and other large industry companies. It was only three years ago that Rio Tinto destroyed major traditional sites that had been dated as being 45,000 years old. No apology nor compensation from them. So far, all the politicians and those heading the Yes vote can offer is an advisory committee “selected” by the government. They seem to think we are incapable of electing our own peoples. This committee has no decision-making power at all and can only advise government on the issues affecting our issues. There is nothing to state that the government has to listen to any advice given. To date, both Albanese and Megan Davis have stated that we are only voting on a principle and the substance will come later. Megan Davis is the aboriginal leader of the Yes vote. Not knowing any of the substance is very dangerous indeed.”
Another friend of mine questioned too the practical value of this referendum. She told me that instead of spending millions of dollars for this referendum, why not just use it to support the aboriginal communities.
The way I see it: those who opposed this referendum only wants that the government is sincere in recognising our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I understand this and respect them fully.
If you will vote No for these reasons: that is respectable. But what I am against with is for people to just randomly pick Yes or No for no reason at all.
How About Our Filipino Voice?
I heard this question from some of our “Kababayan” and I respect their concern. However, let me remind our “Kababayan” that this is not “our moment.” This is the moment for the Original Owners of this Land, which they deserve anyway from the start.
We migrated in this country, and we should be sensible in embracing and respecting their culture and heritage. Now is our chance to show our solidarity to our Aboriginal brothers and sisters.
I strongly believe that this Voice referendum will not mean to discriminate other racial backgrounds but only to formalise our respect and appreciation to the Original Owners of this Land. In fact, by recognising them, we strengthen the brotherhood among all of us, as one race recognising the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and community.
Our Filipino Voice should be a voice that supports the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Inner Voice
I have mentioned above my reasons why I support this Voice Referendum. And that’s what my conscience dictates. And I hope you will also follow your own conscience. Whether you vote for a Yes or a No, you vote for what will be good and better for our country, for our future.
Find your own voice but also listen to the soft voice of this land hidden in the most delicate river and mountains. Listen to those birds singing in the morning, listen to the whisper of the wind that echoes the melody of the spirit of this land. When you hear that voice, listen! Then, you will be able to connect with this land. Then, ultimately, you will share the same voice.
