Australia is to hold a historic indigenous rights referendum on Oct. 14, the Australian prime minister said yesterday, setting up a defining moment for the nation’s relationship with indigenous minorities.
“On that day, every Australian will have a once-in-a-generation chance to bring our country together,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said as he announced the date for the compulsory and binding vote. “October 14 is our time. It’s our chance. It’s a moment calling out to the best of our Australian character.”
If passed, indigenous Australians — whose ancestors have lived on the continent for at least 60,000 years — would be recognized in the country’s constitution for the first time.
Photo: AFP
They would also gain a constitutionally enshrined right to be consulted on laws that impact their communities, the so-called “Voice to Parliament.”
“It permits our people to have a seat at the table,” said indigenous academic and constitutional lawyer Megan Davis.
The “yes” campaign is currently trailing in the polls, sparking fears a failed referendum could tarnish Australia’s global reputation and squander a rare chance to reduce pervasive inequality.
“Voting no closes the door on this opportunity to move forward,” Albanese said from South Australia, a crucial swing state. “Don’t close the door on the next generation of indigenous Australians.”
Aboriginal Australians carry the flame for some of the world’s oldest continuous cultures.
However, more than two centuries after the first British settlers dropped anchor in Sydney Harbour, they are still far more likely to die young, live in poverty and wind up in prison.
The leader of Australia’s conservative opposition party Peter Dutton has spearheaded the “no” campaign, has argued it is not “in our country’s best interests” and claimed it would create red tape. Indigenous activist Georgia Corrie, 30, has been drumming up support in the Northern Territory, which has the highest proportional Aboriginal population in the country.
“The feeling on the ground is great, there is a lot of support for the upcoming referendum,” Corrie said. “Australians have recognized it’s time to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
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