DEAR News Of The Area,

DES Foley (NOTA 10.3.23) is right to ask the question: “what sort of a country are we leaving to our grandchildren?”.

But rather than focus on climate change, which poses an existential threat to the kind of planet that our grandchildren will inherit, he bizarrely homes in on the Voice referendum.

To suggest that the Voice represents and benefits an “interest group”, not dissimilar to the cashed-up lobby groups which influence government policy on a daily basis, is a gross misrepresentation of the message of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and deeply disrespectful towards our First Nations people.

They are not an “interest group”.

They have inhabited this continent for millennia.

It is they who, since colonisation, had their lands stolen, their people slaughtered, their children taken away and their rights denied.

It is beyond time for the white colonisers to recognize the wrongs of the past and to give First Nations people a direct say in the issues that affect their lives.

A Voice to Parliament, enshrined in the constitution, will create that framework.

It threatens nobody, and offers a unique opportunity for Australians to reset the dial, and to begin the process of healing, truth-telling and treaty.

This is not about “sentiment, activism or propaganda”, as Des Foley would have us believe. Rather, it is a long-overdue and clear-sighted proposal which should be supported by all Australians who are committed to fairness, justice and reconciliation.

We owe it to First Nations people, and to all Australians, to seek a resounding YES vote in the upcoming referendum.

Regards,
Mike GRIFFIN,
Valla Beach.