Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice - Private Member's Motion
I support the motion moved by the Hon. Bob Nanva and I thank him for bringing it before the House. A few days are left in the campaign for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in our Constitution. If there is not one better reason as to why we need it, it is Dutton's "Vote No" campaign and the fact that the Liberal Party and The Nationals have campaigned so viciously and have spread so much misinformation. One member talked about the collapse of liberal democracy if we enshrined a First Nations Voice in the Constitution. I have spoken with Elders as I have travelled across this State campaigning on the Voice and they are urging us to listen to them.
They have gone through so much trauma, despite what Jacinta Price may say; there is such an ongoing weight of trauma as a result of colonisation. I spoke to Elders on Saturday night at a Kurdish community event, and they were urging everybody to say yes. They were members of the Stolen Generation and spoke about the pain and trauma they had been through. They said that they do not know how their hearts are going to handle a no vote on Sunday because they have been through so much. All they want is acceptance. They said also that they want to have a say, because Aboriginal people in this country have not had a say about their own circumstances for so long. Let us hope we all write "Yes" on Saturday. I thank all the incredible volunteers who have worked so hard for yes.
TEST OF THE MOTION:
The Hon. BOB NANVA:
(1)That this House notes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have an ongoing and unique connection to land and country.
(2)That this House recognises that on 14 October 2023, the Australian people have an important opportunity to answer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' generous call for constitutional recognition through a "Voice to Parliament".
(3)That this House calls for a "Yes" vote in the upcoming referendum.