By Moses Florendo
(Second of two parts)
For months now, we have been hearing the case for or against the proposed indigenous Voice to Parliament. It is fair to say that we have already heard the major arguments. It is time to start making our own decision by going through the important issues raised. I hope that the previous and current discussions will help you make a well-informed choice and find your own voice.
Is the Voice divisive?
Yes. There will always be differences of opinions in a democratic society. The proposal in the referendum is no different. Today in Australia, there are those who hold the view that women should obey their husbands, or that the rich should be taxed less, or that we should not help the poor. Just because there is no universal consensus, it doesn’t mean we should not discuss or even act on the issues. Divisiveness should not be the main consideration as we decide on our vote, but rather which side of the argument offers the best option to make Australia a fairer society.
Will the Voice create a “superior race”?
No. The term “superior race” conjures an image of an oppressor and oppressed where the
oppressor takes away land, family, and dignity as if they were the almighty; and where the
oppressor charts the fate of the oppressed for generations without regards to representation. That is the image of white Australia, the vestiges of which the Voice along with many other measures aims to end.
Will we do away with “rule of the majority” if the Voice passes?
No. Rule of the majority is not diminished by the approval of the proposal. The referendum is about a stronger voice, not additional votes. If approved, the only change is the right of the First Nations to advise the Federal Parliament and the Executive Government, an advice that may or may not be heeded.
If the Voice won’t solve everything why should I vote for it?
The Voice is not a product, but is it part of a process. The proposed Voice is not a silver bullet to end all injustices. Rather, it is one of the ways where Australia could possibly close the gap in economic and social terms by hearing more from the Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander community.
Coming from a migrant background, why should I be involved?
To simply put it, the question before us is whether or not we should give a stronger voice to a marginalised minority. As a minority ourselves, it is in our best interest to join this effort in creating a better system that promotes a stronger voice for those not often heard. One step forward for one, is a step forward for everyone.
The author is a community lawyer. He served as Associate Solicitor at the Office of the Solicitor General of the Republic of Philippines and Branch Clerk of Court in the Regional Trial Court (Manila).
He is a member of the Australians for Philippine Human Rights Network (APHRN).
