Geelong for Yes has welcomed the announcement of the Voice to Parliament referendum to be held on October 14.
The 2023 referendum asks Australians if the Constitution should be changed to recognise the First Peoples of Australia. The change will create an advisory body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The advisory body will consist of representatives chosen by First Nations communities. As an advisory body, it has no power to create legislation.
Geelong for Yes campaign organiser and local Kayne Harwood said he has been amazed by the level of grassroots support for the Yes campaign in Geelong.
“We already have a team of 250 passionate volunteers working in five local ‘Yes’ groups, and our volunteer numbers are still growing fast,” he said.
“Since forming in late June, we have held around 70 campaign actions – handing out leaflets and having conversations at stalls and train stations, door knocking and making calls. It might just be the biggest grassroots campaign Geelong has seen.”
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Actingchief executive Jason Kanoa also welcomed the announcement.
“Recognising Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian constitution by establishing a Voice to Parliament will ensure that we are the ones guiding the decisions that affect our communities,” he said.
“This is a really important moment in our country’s history.”
Belmont, Highton ‘Yes’ leader Elaine Carbines AM said locals have shown great interest in the regular street stalls.
“Pleasingly many indicated that they intended to vote ‘yes’ at the upcoming referendum,” she said.
Senator Sarah Henderson is among the ‘no’ voters and hosted a Voice Community Forum at Geelong West Town Hall on August 18.
Close to 200 local residents attended the event, with many expressing concerns about the Albanese government’s lack of transparency.
“We all want to help indigenous Australians in disadvantaged communities, but the Voice is not the answer,” Ms Henderson said.
“It would enshrine a Voice in the Constitution with few limits to its scope and few details.
“Labor’s Voice is risky, unknown, divisive and permanent. Regrettably, the Albanese government is keeping secret so much information about the scope and powers of the Voice to Parliament and the Executive including the proposed legislation which will underpin its operation.”
Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles and Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said voting ‘yes’ was about “recognising and listening, so that we can make a practical difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.
“The Voice is an idea that came from First Nations people, as expressed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart,” they said in a statement.
“Already we know there is strong support for the Voice here in Geelong. Less than three weeks ago more than 250 people came to the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre and said yes.”
