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Anthony Albanese has given an impassioned plea for Australians to vote Yes in this year’s Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum, saying it will lift up the nation without causing any hurt.
Speaking from the annual Garma Festival in Arnhem Land, the prime minister said the No campaign’s claim that now isn’t the right time for a Voice is an argument that has been tried – and proved incorrect – in the past.
“There’s been some suggestion that this is not the right time,” Albanese said.
“I say, 122 years after Federation, half a century after the referendum in which Indigenous Australians were counted, more than a decade after extensive processes were established… if not now, when?
“We are the only former colony of Europe that does not recognise that there were inhabitants here before 1788, in our case.
“In New Zealand’s case, that was recognised in the 19th century. In Canada’s case, in the 20th century. This is something that is for First Nations people, but it is more than that. It is something for all of us to be lifted up…
“Years before [the Native Title] advance, years before the Apology, which people said also was never the right time. Never the right time.
“We waited for year after year after year for that Apology. And when it occurred, it brought the country together. It lifted the country up. And no one was hurt by that Apology.
“No one will be hurt by a Yes vote in this referendum. But we have an opportunity to be lifted up.”
With speculation about when exactly the referendum will be held, Albanese said he won’t be unveiling the date during this weekend’s festival, where support for the Voice among First Nations people is “unanimous”.
He did, however, implore the No campaign to engage in a more honest debate and to “talk about what people will be voting on” rather than diverting the discourse onto areas the Voice would not cover.
“I am particularly disappointed that people in positions of leadership who know… exactly the consequences of what they are doing, who should know better, are prepared to prioritise what they see as a political advantage,” Albanese said.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s not about Labor or Liberal.
“This is about whether this country recognises Indigenous Australians, and whether you believe that if you listen to people and have a structure, you’ll get better outcomes.
“I believe that’s the case. If people don’t believe that’s the case, then certainly they should put that argument. But I think it’s very clear.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is not in Arnhem Land for the festival, having knocked back the prime minister’s invitation to attend.
