Introduction by Sebastian Andrew
Left, Right, Centre (LRC), for those not familiar, is a regular segment in our print issue, in which four student political clubs respond to a set of questions seeking their views on certain issues. Usually they get given three, but for Issue 9, we decided only gave them one:
‘On October 14, Australians will vote in a historic referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament in the Constitution. Do you support a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ result?’
This is the important question that Australia faces on October 14, and so it felt only right to have one, longer discussion. LRC is usually a print-exclusive segment, but with Issue 9 arriving just before referendum day, we thought it was important to get this out this a bit earlier. Students deserve sufficient time to hear the cases, and learn where different clubs stand.
Here’s what they had to say.
Socialist Alternative (written by El Hall)
Socialist Alternative strongly support a Yes vote
The opposition to the Voice is extremely racist, arguing that it would bring about anti-white apartheid amongst other obscene claims. A win for the No campaign would embolden the Liberals and other sections of the right to push forward with further attacks on Indigenous people.
That being said, the Voice itself will do little to seriously challenge anti-Indigenous racism, and Labor is no friend of Indigenous people, as demonstrated by racist law & order campaigns they’re running around the country. Most egregiously, Queensland Labor is suspending their human rights act to lock up youth offenders in adult prisons, the majority of which are Indigenous children.
The fight for indigenous rights will require more than an advisory panel set up by the government. The wins of past struggles for Indigenous rights were the result of mass campaigns involving protests and strikes, and that’s what we’ll need to continue to challenge racism in the future.
Greens Club (written by William Pincombe)
The Greens Club absolutely calls for people to vote Yes for the Voice to Parliament. First Nations people deserve to have a say in policies that impact their lives.
Top-down government policies have failed First Nations people with the most recent “Closing the Gap” report showing that the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is getting worse on many indicators.
The idea of an elected First Nations advisory group is not new. Several have existed but have been weakened and removed by governments unhappy with their advice. Embedding the existence of a Voice in the Constitution protects it against any future racist governments.
The Voice will not solve problems instantaneously, but it is a step towards reconciliation and fairness. A No vote would represent the rejection of a very humble request from First Nations people and would be a massive setback for First Nations justice.
The government should fulfil their election promise and fully implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart: Voice, Treaty and Truth.
Liberal Club (written by Henry Southcott)
The Adelaide Uni Liberal Club supports the No result in the referendum, emphasising the importance of constitutional amendments. We stress the importance of individuals forming educated opinions about the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. If you’re not certain about it, you shouldn’t vote Yes.
Importantly, a No vote does not signify opposition to future recognition or consultation efforts. It simply means you don’t wholeheartedly agree with the proposed amendment. We acknowledge the significance of ongoing consultation on pertinent issues and addressing Indigenous disparities.
Previous consultation committees with Indigenous communities in Australia have a track record of failure, and constitutional inclusion would merely make a potentially unsuccessful voice permanent. I would feel more comfortable voting for an enshrined voice once it has been tried, tested, and proven effective. Until then, I remain entirely unconvinced and will be casting my vote with a firm NO!
Labor Club (written by Steph Madigan)
For over 100 years Indigenous Australians have called for a voice in decision-making processes that affect them. Politicians have spent billions on failed programs and broken policies to address gas which still exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. So they have made the reasonable request to be listened to and given a chance to propose their own solutions.
While there is no single view among Indigenous Australians, more than 80% support the proposal. Putting the Voice in the Constitution gives it the time, security, and independence to provide honest and meaningful advice. To the extent there are other Indigenous organisations working with the government, the Voice complements, not detracts, from their work.
The Voice is also supported by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In human rights law, equality and anti-discrimination means more than just treating people exactly the same. Indeed, this often perpetuates marginalisation because it doesn’t address structural discrimination, or recognise difference. Voting yes is an important step but only part of the equation–Truth and Treaty now!
Please visit the AEC website, or consult our article How to vote in the referendum for more information about voting in the referendum.
On Dit 