Indigenous Groups Mourn Outcome of Australian Referendum, Call for Week of Silence

Indigenous Groups Mourn Outcome of Australian Referendum, Call for Week of Silence

Indigenous groups in Australia are grieving and calling for action after a referendum that would have recognized and empowered Indigenous Australians in the country’s Constitution was voted down. The proposal aimed to establish an advisory body to advocate for Indigenous voices in the government’s decision-making processes. However, the referendum faced stiff opposition, with deceptive campaigns misleading the public about its implications.

Despite strong support from communities with large Indigenous populations, the No campaign prevailed, garnering 60.4% of the nationwide vote. The result has left Indigenous groups feeling devastated and disheartened. Hannah McGlade, a member of the United Nations permanent forum on Indigenous issues, lamented the lack of recognition for Aboriginal people, stating, The majority of Australian people could not see the sense in finally recognizing Aboriginal people.

Faced with this disheartening outcome, Indigenous organizations such as the Central Land Council and the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress have called for a Week of Silence to grieve and reflect on the significance of the result. They see the refusal to acknowledge Indigenous Australians, who have called this land home for over 60,000 years, as a bitter irony.

However, the groups are determined not to let this setback deter them. They will fly their flags at half-mast and shift their focus from recognition and reconciliation to justice and the rights of their people. They plan to regroup, regain their strength, and chart a new path forward for justice and Indigenous rights in their own country.

The need for recognition and support for Indigenous communities in Australia is significant. Indigenous people and Torres Strait Islanders face higher rates of suicide, domestic violence, and incarceration compared to the rest of the population, particularly in remote and rural areas. The referendum presented an opportunity to address these pressing issues and ensure Indigenous voices were heard.

Conservative campaigners played a prominent role in misleading voters. They capitalized on a lack of awareness about the referendum, urging people to vote No instead of seeking more information. Their slogan, If you don’t know, vote no, aimed to exploit this lack of knowledge. They also questioned the details of the proposal, even though the Yes campaign made it clear that Parliament would determine the practical implementation of the new policies.

Though the referendum did not pass, it received support from a wide range of prominent figures in Australia, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, celebrities, retired judges, and universities. They recognized the importance of formally recognizing the Indigenous people of Australia, who make up 3.8% of the population.

In response to the referendum result, Human Rights Watch has called on the Australian government to prioritize the views of Indigenous communities in its future actions. It emphasized that Indigenous people have the right to participate in decision-making processes, as recognized by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The outcome of this referendum is a reminder of Australia’s failure to uphold the rights of First Nations people. Despite successive governments’ promises, Indigenous communities continue to face systemic challenges and inequalities. The fight for justice and recognition will persist, driven by the unwavering determination of Indigenous groups and their allies.

Let us hope that the rejection of this referendum becomes a catalyst for change, prompting Australians to reevaluate their treatment of Indigenous communities and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.