UPDATE: The recent Indigenous voice referendum has ignited a crucial national conversation about constitutional recognition, according to key advocate, Professor Megan Davis. Speaking at the Centre for Public Integrity’s annual oration in Sydney on Wednesday night, Davis praised the 6.2 million Australians who voted ‘yes’, declaring this moment a powerful springboard for future advocacy.
The referendum, held in October 2023, was decisively defeated with a 60-40 split. However, Davis emphasized that the outcome should not be viewed as a loss. “We have 6.2 million people who are our mates that we never knew existed,” she stated, highlighting the support for Indigenous recognition that remains strong.
Davis criticized the way the referendum was debated, attributing the lack of serious discussion to a “myriad of misinformation” that surrounded the topic. “It is incontrovertible that political lies and disinformation derailed the advocacy for a voice,” she asserted, underlining the need for clear communication about the importance of constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians.
The referendum’s failure has not deterred Davis’s commitment to the cause. “Australia can’t walk away from constitutional recognition … constitutions matter,” she reiterated, stressing that this issue is essential for creating conditions for a dignified human life. She believes there is a solid base to build upon, despite the challenges faced.
A critical factor in the referendum’s outcome was the public’s knowledge gap regarding Aboriginal issues, which Davis noted was exacerbated by a lack of education. She pointed to research indicating that many Australians had not met an Indigenous person, creating a barrier to understanding the significance of the voice to parliament. “If you had dinner with an Aboriginal person, you’re more likely to vote ‘yes’,” she revealed, suggesting that personal connections could foster greater awareness and support.
Davis also reflected on remarks made by now-Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price during the campaign, where she claimed there were no negative impacts of colonization on Indigenous people. “We were so deep into the mud,” Davis recalled, as experts challenged Price’s statements, linking colonization to ongoing trauma and inequality among Indigenous communities.
Moving forward, Davis called for open dialogues across Australia to dissect the referendum’s outcome and strategize for the future. “Part of our work going forward is that we need to get out into Australia and have these conversations about what happened, what we think went wrong,” she urged.
As the nation continues to grapple with these critical issues, the conversation around Indigenous recognition is more urgent than ever. The call for transparency, understanding, and action resonates across communities, making it clear that the quest for constitutional recognition is ongoing and vital for Australia’s future.
For those seeking support or resources regarding Indigenous issues, Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14 and 13YARN at 13 92 76.
