Labor commitment to Uluru Statement welcomed by FNQ Indigenous leaders

“We will finally achieve the first constitutional recognition for black fellas.” Far North Indigenous leaders tell us what Labor’s commitment to the Uluru Statement means for FNQ.

FAR Northern Indigenous leaders are looking forward to their communities shaping decisions and policies at a national level following a heightened endorsement of the Uluru Statement.

Along with a treaty and process of truth telling, the Uluru Statement calls for a constitutionally-enshrined Voice – an advisory body – to the parliament of Australia.

And on Saturday, new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the important statement as one of his first commitments as leader.

But what significance does this announcement have for the people of Far North Queensland, particularly its indigenous communities?

Five Far Northern Indigenous leaders tell us.

Thomas Mayor, author of Finding the Heart of the Nation

“This announcement is very welcome. We now have affirmation that this is important to government.

“It gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities not normally heard the ability to collectively speak and influence decisions, policy and laws about issues common across those communities.

The ability to have housing needs heard, for example, or address a justice system that doesn’t take into account historical trauma.”

Author Thomas Mayor with daughter Ruby (L) and son William (R), with the children’s version of his book Finding the Heart of the Nation. Picture: Melanie Mayor.

“I am far more confident than I’ve ever been that we will see the Voice go to a referendum. You could see the passion in Albo’s speech.

But they’re still politicians, and it’s up to us to keep raising our voice and convince them that the Voice can win.”

Richie Ah Mat, chairperson Cape York Land Council

“I think this announcement is absolutely critical for every first nations person. It’s been a very long time coming.

“I didn’t think the conservatives were genuine. Their policy was a voice to government, not a voice to parliament. It would have been like another ATSIC.

Richie Ah Mat sat on the then PM Tony Abbot’s indigenous Advisory Council. He is pictured here with Andrew "Twiggy " Forrest and Tony Abbott at the Closing the Gap morning tea hosted in the Prime Ministers Courtyard at Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: supplied.

“This announcement could see the first constitutional recognition that black fellas have ever had. It’s going to make this country better.

“It’s going to improve Indigenous people’s health, education, housing, employment and community; it will help all socio-economic outcomes.

“Billions of dollars have been wasted on the black economy … and what black organisation has prospered from this? You don’t have to be blind Freddy to see that the gaps aren’t closing, they’re getting wider.”

Fiona Jose, CEO Cape York Partnership

“I congratulate the new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his … party’s steadfast commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including the commitment to hold a Voice referendum in his first term.

But this issue is not owned solely by left and right – this issue transcends political party divides.

Fiona Jose is the CEO of Cape York Partnership and also is on the board of Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service. Picture: Stewart McLean.

“It’s almost five years since the Uluru convention. This is the next step – to be recognised in the constitution in a really practical way.

“We want to be in the decision making tent so that when decisions about our property rights, our wages, our employment opportunities, our education, our living conditions, our languages, that are currently being made by Brisbane and Canberra – we can have a fair say in those decisions.”

Kenny Bedford, director My Pathway

“This commitment from PM Albanese and our incoming government is a very welcome step forward. The election outcome reflects Australia is ready to consider an important opportunity for our shared future.

“For me personally, it is a significant milestone achievement in what has been an ongoing journey, but only the start of the important heavy lifting that needs to follow to realise the key components of the Uluru Statement.

Torres Strait Islands Board Member of Reconciliation Australia and Director of My Pathway Kenny Bedford was MC at the JCU Cairns Uluru Statement Panel at the Pullman Hotel in 2018. Photo: supplied.

“This National commitment … builds on the Reconciliation Action Plans and Path to Treaty work of the Queensland Government. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and representation in this region around these issues has been very strong.

“Recognising … all aspects of our modern history is a necessary step in building our shared future. This Referendum needs to happen in this term of parliament. It will. It’s time.”

Wynetta Dewis, CEO Queensland indigenous Family Violence Legal Service

“The announcement made by the new Labor government … is viewed positively by QIFVLS. Mr Albanese beginning his speech with this commitment can also be seen as his intention of making this commitment a priority for his administration.

Wynetta Dewis is the CEO of the Queensland indigenous Family Violence Legal Service and says QIFVLS positively views any measure to address the gaps between indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Photo: supplied.

“However, the impact of Albanese’s statement can only be assessed after further detail is released by the new Government on how they intend to fully implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

“QIFVLS intends on taking part in regional dialogues to inform a potential voice to parliament given that our services covers 80 plus Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland.”

Originally published as Labor commitment to Uluru Statement welcomed by FNQ Indigenous leaders