Indigenous leaders have called on Australians to support a referendum on their voice in parliament on National Sorry Day. .
It was held for the first time to commemorate the abuses of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and marks the first anniversary of the 1998 Bring Those Home report.
A 1997 report emerged from a government inquiry into past policies that forced children away from their families and communities. .
Australian Indigenous Peoples Minister Linda Burney told ABC Radio National the day was one of mixed emotions.
“It’s emotional to think that these people were taken away in our lifetime and that they had a terrible experience,” she said.
“And that trauma is passed down through generations. That’s the scary thing about this case.
“But it’s also a story of survival and resilience, and ultimately of this country coming to terms with a pretty awful piece of history.”
250 Indigenous leaders from across Australia gathered at Uluru in Central Australia for National Sorry Day 2017.
Forum results, .
The statement calls for the establishment of a truth-telling committee, It will also oversee the making of treaties between the government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
He also called for an advisory body, known as the Voice of Congress, to be established in the Constitution.
Sally Scales, member of the Uluru Dialogue Leadership, said the statement was a call to all Australians.
“Since 2017, we have asked the Australian people to walk with us,” she said.
“This invitation is addressed to the people of Australia…to join us in a movement for a better future, not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, but for all children. So we are making the next big plans.” Be hopeful about what this country is going to be like. ”
Australian Indigenous Peoples Minister Linda Burney said National Sorry Day was one of mixed emotions. sauce: AAP / Lucas Koch
Australians are due to vote in a referendum on whether their voice to parliament should be included in the constitution between August and December this year.
Congress has begun debating the wording of the constitutional amendment after a joint committee recommended that the bill be passed without amendment.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is resisting calls from the opposition to change the proposal to avoid potential legal challenges.
He told Congress on Thursday that the language was legally appropriate and that now was the time for reconciliation.
“This referendum yes vote is an opportunity for all of us to take the next step in the journey of reconciliation and be counted and heard on the right side of history. It’s an opportunity.” And the future and the nation will be more harmonious.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton still does not support the referendum, calling the “voice” a “”.“It can’t help local or far-flung indigenous communities,” he says.
He said the coalition “strongly believes in constitutional recognition” of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but believes the voices are “going too far”.
“I don’t think the Australian public would support it,” he said on Friday.
Indigenous independent Senator Lyda Thorpe is among those who want truth and treaty over voice. sauce: AAP / Diego Fedele
The government has pledged to implement all parts of Uluru’s heartfelt statement, but said it is now focused on a successful referendum.
Others, including Independent Indigenous Senator Lydia Thorpe, are calling for Makarata and the treaty to be enacted before “Voice.”
Senator Thorpe asked the Australian Indigenous Peoples Authority what efforts had been made so far.
“October’s draft budget includes funds for Treaty and Truth-Speaking through the establishment of the Makarata Commission, of which $1.7 million has been allocated for the current fiscal year,” she said. rice field. “So how much money has been spent so far and what has it been used for?”
The agency’s Simon Gordon said only $900,000 had been spent this year and talks would begin after the referendum.
“The amount disbursed so far has been used by the authorities for preparatory work towards the establishment of the Makarata Commission,” he said.
“The government is currently considering options for a community consultation process, which will be reflected in the design of the Makarata Commission.”
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/calls-to-support-voice-referendum-renewed-on-national-sorry-day/gc8z2u7ma Call to Support ‘Voice’ Referendum Updated on National Day of Regret
