In the region where anti-colonialist narratives are powerful and we are playing diplomatic catch-up, the referendum’s failure will be a gift to an expansionist China.
Recently, a friend told me she would be “mortified” to show her face abroad if Australia rejects anIt raises an interesting point. Given constitutional change is a domestic matter, should Australians care what the world thinks? To torture an old saying, if a referendum falls Down Under, does it make a sound?If you’re worried Australia’s reputation will be harmed if the Voice referendum fails, you should be, although probably not for the reasons you think.
Across the world, democracies are in a struggle with a growing number of dictatorships. While the Dictators Club warily respects the collective military strength of allied democracies, it’s the power of example that truly terrifies them. If you’re an authoritarian superpower building influence – or military bases – in the Indo-Pacific, that’s a handy thing to weaponise.
Unfortunately, the referendum appears caught up in Australia’s cost-of-living crisis. Grumpy Aussies doing it tough are sending a message.But while yes/no votes always risk being hostage to the national mood, what’s different is the simmering anger. Beyond questioning the Voice concept itself, there is pulsating hostility towards the people advocating for the change.
I’ll admit the Voice is probably not what I would have devised to solve Indigenous disadvantage. But that’s precisely the point. After trying everything else, perhaps Australia can do something radical: listening to Indigenous Australians and empowering them to make changes they need.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Voice to parliament referendum: When, how and where do I vote?This is everything you need to know about voting in this year&x27;s referendum.
Read more »
Indigenous voice to parliament no campaign leading in every state, poll analysis showsSupport for voice has dropped by 21 percentage points nationally in the past year, according to Guardian Australia’s poll tracker
Read more »
Michael Long completes historic walk to parliament for Voice as PM joins final legSpirits were high outside Parliament House as leading members of the Voice to Parliament’s Yes campaign including the Prime Minister came out on the streets to welcome Michael Long as he completed the final leg of The Long Walk from Melbourne to Canberra on Thursday morning.
Read more »
Cost-of-living concerns outweigh Voice to Parliament debateIndependent MP Dai Le says in her electorate of Fowler, the Voice to Parliament is a topic that has not “come up”. “Our community has different focus and priorities in my electorate, and we will just continue with business,” Ms Le told Sky News Australia. “People are still obviously raising issues of cost of living, housing affordability. “So for me, that’s a priority to ensure that we get more affordable housing. “Getting construction going so that we actually can address that whole issue around housing affordability for an electorate like Fowler.”
Read more »
Campaign tactics being questioned on both sides of the Voice to Parliament debateThe 'no' campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament has come under fire for reportedly using fear tactics to dissuade voters from supporting the government's proposal for constitutional change. Meanwhile, the Albanese government are applauding their efforts so far to address critical labor…
Read more »
Fiery Voice debate in ParliamentParliament has descended into a heated debate over the referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. With just weeks until the ballot - 'No' camp tactics encouraging campaigners to play on voter fears and emotions have been revealed. And a leading 'Yes' campaigner has defended labelling her…
Read more »