VICTORIAN Labor senator Jana Stewart says Indigenous people are “asking to be seen, to be listened to and for a voice” amid public debate about the referendum that “has been quite ugly and will get worse”.
In a powerful speech this week in the Upper House, Senator Stewart reflected on her links to country along the Murray River near her home town of Swan Hill.
“I stand here today on the shoulders of giants,” she said, speaking in support of the constitutional alteration to create an Indigenous voice to parliament.
“It will enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to have a say in and be consulted on matters that impact our communities.
“In 1967 we were counted. In 2023, we invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.
“We’re asking to be seen. We’re asking to be listened to.
“We’re asking to have a say on matters that affect us, to begin moving forward as a nation and addressing the gaps for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“We’re asking for a voice.”
Senator Stewart said the Voice was about creating “practical and lasting change” that would lead to “better policies and improve the lives of First Nations people” in areas such as health, education and housing.
“The Closing the Gap report continues to publish statistics which show that current policies and initiatives are not leading to better outcomes for First Nations communities in areas like social welfare, education, health, child protection, social justice – and I could go on and on and on – and it is damning of this country,” she said.
“There have been 31 prime ministers and 22 ministers for Indigenous Australians in various forms (since Federation).
“There have been countless chances, moments, committees, organisations, election commitments and budget announcements – countless moments that have been missed.
“And we still don’t have parity. We are still not equal in our own country – and we are far, far from it.”
Senator Stewart said that while she felt optimistic Australians supported reconciliation, the next few months would be hard. “Sadly, the public debate about the referendum has been quite ugly, and I fear it’s going to get worse,” she said.
“Words have been used as a powerful weapon against First Nations communities for a very, very long time.
“For our mob, racism and hate have already been on the rise and on full display for all to see while we discuss enshrining a First Nations Voice in our constitution.
“These are the words that are heard by my nieces and nephews, my cousins, my aunties and uncles. These words have real-world impacts.”
She said writing “three simple letters” would mean “Australians will have taken the next step towards bettering the lives of First Nations people”.
“It will mean a more united country, united by the desire for progress and a more equal and fair country for everyone,” Senator Stewart said.
“This is about who we are as a country. This is about my children and it’s about your children.
“It’s about our children inheriting a better country than each of us has grown up in.”
