In just weeks, our nation will be facing a monumental referendum that could change the trajectory of the country for the better.
The upcoming referendum is a step towards First Nations justice which is why Democracy in Colour will be supporting ‘Yes’ for Voice, Truth and Treaty.
This is the beginning of a national conversation about the ongoing impacts of colonisation on First Nations people. A Yes outcome will allow us to move towards transformative change that First Nations communities have been advocating for for decades — truth-telling, treaty, land rights, representation, meaningful First Nations-led justice and holding politicians within Governments to account.
Democracy in Colour is led by and for people of colour (PoC) who are united in our shared experience of racism. Many of us and our families have been forced to migrate or seek asylum and refuge on this continent because of the perpetual legacy of British and European colonisation.
Fierce and unwavering resistance led by First Nations communities fought to abolish the White Australia Policy which has benefited PoC migrants. It is through our shared struggle of oppression at the hands of colonialism that have brought us here and it’s time for all of us to pay it forward.
As settlers on this continent we hold immense privilege. It is our duty to leverage this privilege in solidarity with First Nations people in their fight for sovereignty. We have an opportunity to step up and work together to contribute to a future where First Nations people are respected, listened to and have the power to make decisions about their lives.
While over 80% of First Nations people support the Voice [1], no community is homogeneous. First Nations people have diverse views that should be respected. From Treaty and truth-telling, to land rights and deaths in custody, to healthcare and housing — this moment will have a huge impact on so many issues right across our communities. But losing it risks setting this work back by decades.
The lead up to this historic moment has already been overshadowed and dominated by racist attacks. Politicians like Peter Dutton and Pauline Hanson are using this referendum as an opportunity to divide our communities for their own personal gain, and Rupert Murdoch’s NewsCorp continues to amplify racism and hate for profit and political power.[2]
These cheap tactics have been used time and again — we know how racism can be used to drum up division within our communities. Our communities have the power to shift these hateful and harmful narratives. Democracy in Colour will continue to call out the racism, hate and fear mongering that has taken over this referendum.
This is the time for all of us to show up and put our solidarity into action. Join us in writing Yes for Voice, Truth and Treaty.
1 – Ten Questions about the Voice to Parliament
2 – News Corp Plans the Voice 24/7
Authorised by Neha Madhok, Democracy in Colour, 36-38 Gipps St Collingwood 3066 VIC
