The Voice referendum, whichever way it goes, will be a defining social feature for Australia for years to come. I worried though, that many of our first time voters at Shalom still think any mention of ‘The Voice’ is a reference to a TV show!

I am disappointed that some on both sides of the debate have chosen to ‘muddy the waters’ with inaccurate, unhelpful, and sometimes, disrespectful commentary. We desperately need an electorate that is informed on this issue and prepared to let go of politics and engage in respectful discussions. Some on the ‘No’ side resort to fear and exaggeration in seeking support. I have heard it argued that if we vote ‘Yes’ for the Voice this will automatically lead to Treaty or Compensation. This is not what the Voice is or can do. I have also seen the claim that a successful vote for the Voice will divide the country along racial lines. If the Minister for Education is correct when he says, “A young indigenous man is more likely to be jailed than receive a University degree”, it would appear our society is already very divided along racial lines. Those on the ‘Yes’ side inaccurately describe anyone who might choose to vote ‘No’ as a racist.

Those who choose to vote ‘No’ can do so thoughtfully and justifiably. Indeed, there are quite a few indigenous folk who will choose to vote no. Indigenous voters, like any other group in society, hold different points of view.

My view on this issue and others, is not determined by my faith background but it is informed by what the Bishops and Pope Francis have to say. The Australian Catholic Bishops, in speaking to us on the Voice remind us that, “This is an important moment in the history of the nation, and it can help us to move towards a deep and just reconciliation. It also offers a mechanism to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We urge all Australians to engage in the debate productively, respecting each other and accepting that people may, in good faith, have differing concerns and perspectives. We are an open democracy, and this is a moment to use our democratic institutions to produce a high-quality debate shaped by a genuine concern to do justice and bring healing to First Nations Peoples…To guide all Australians at this important time, we encourage everyone to read and discuss the Uluru Statement from the Heart..”

Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si’ says: ‘It is essential to show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions. They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners, especially when large projects affecting their land are proposed.’

We will have a lot of first time voters in our Year 12 class this year. I hope and pray that each of them work hard to inform themselves on both sides of the issue. I hope everyone does that – sincerely.

Some of our young voters will hear some say, 'if you don't know, vote NO'. I would hope that young and old voters won't be content with 'not knowing' but would do the research necessary to find out! At Shalom, we won’t tell our students what to think. Instead, we will try to offer the intellectual skills and character development that will allow each of them to decide what is right, just, and true. We won’t tell any young person what to think but we will try to teach each of them, how to think.

Attached again, are two chapters from Fr Frank Brennan’s book, “An Indigenous Voice to Parliament: Considering a Constitutional Bridge”, presents two chapters that outline the case for a ‘Yes’ vote and the case for a ‘No’ vote. Both chapters feature the thoughts of First Nations people. If, like me, you have a first time voter in your house, I strongly suggest you get them to read and reflect on this.

An Indigenous Voice to Parliament - The YES Case

Date Claimers –
• Justin Coulson presentation ‘The Parenting Revolution’ Tuesday August 15 @ 7pm
• ‘Mens’ Wellness’ Breakfast with Darius Boyd Thursday 31 August @ The Waves 7am

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com