Voices of Victoria: Your thoughts on proposed Indigenous Voice in constitution

It was a key part of the Federal Government’s election campaign, but do everyday Victorians support the push for an Indigenous voice in parliament?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Senator Patrick Dodson, Galarrwuy Yunupingu and Yolngu people during the recent Garma Festival, where he announced the proposal of The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to the constitution. Picture: Tamati Smith/Getty.

The proposal to include an Indigenous voice to federal parliament and amend the constitution has received broad support from everyday Victorians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently outlined the first steps of his plan to introduce The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice while attending the annual Garma festival at Gulkula in Arnhem Land.

It is planned to eventually lead to a referendum to recognise Indigenous Australians and establish a group of representatives to contribute to parliament and be consulted on policy issues affecting them.

Leader and Geelong Advertiser reporters hit the streets this week and spoke to readers from Heathmont to Armstrong Creek, and as far as Wodonga, to get their opinions on the proposal.

Many supported the proposal, others wanted to learn more about it, while some thought a referendum would be a waste of time and it should be introduced as soon as possible.

See if you can spot anyone you know, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Grace Hallet, Glen Waverley

Grace Hallet from Glen Waverley thought including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice should have been done years ago.

“I think it’s about time. Why wouldn't they have a voice to begin with?

“I’m very big on equity, equity is so important. The fact that they have been ignored for so long and they are a big part of our generation, it’s just not okay.

“Coming from someone who is mixed and who has dealt with racism most of my life it’s so important to get this voice out there.

“They should have a voice in everything. Let's acknowledge that, but it needs to be more than just acknowledging. It’s the same with NAIDOC week, why is that a single week. Why is that the only time we get to celebrate their life and culture?

“There’s so many thing that they’re disadvantaged from in our constitution that it’s about time we change it, so I think it’s great.”

Antonio Serato, St Albans

St Albans’ Antonio Serato said he didn’t know enough about the proposed constitutional changes, but believes it‘s a good idea for Indigenous people to have a say on Indigenous issues.

“It‘s tough to give you my thoughts, because I don’t really know what the change will actually mean,” he said.

“But we’ve had Aboriginal groups looking after the interests of their people across Australia for years now.”

“Giving them a place to voice their thoughts would only lead to better informed government decisions, right?”

Mick Shelton, Wodonga

Mick Shelton, Wodonga, shares his thoughts on the Indigenous Voice to parliament.

Mick Shelton said the role should only be implemented if the right person was found.

“If there’s someone that’s qualified enough to do it I agree with it, but if there’s not, I don’t,” he said.

“If it’s just for sentiment, I don’t think so. There needs to be someone good enough to do the job.”

Peter Davey, Bass Coast

“I’m think we should just vote yes because otherwise it will just keep popping up as a debate, wasting time and resources for something that should have been done a long time ago anyway.

“Really, it’s going to be there to recognise Indigenous people, protect of the sovereignty of the current parliament and provide a voice to those that really should have one already.

“I do wish Australia would just get on with it! It’s painful how slow we are to make any changes.”

Voices of Victoria: Anna Porto, 18, Frankston, and Nathan Jinks, Mornington. Picture: Lucy Callander

Nathan Jinks, 18, Mornington

“Absolutely, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be represented in the Constitution and have a voice.

“We should be doing more than just acknowledging them on ‘special days’ like Sorry Day. “They should be represented every day. This change should have been made a long time ago.”

Anna Porto, 18, Frankston

“I think this vote is a sign that we are progressing as a society.

“Indigenous people should be included in decision making. It is their land that we’re on after all. If we’re making decisions about someone’s home they should get a say.”

Sue James, Vermont

Sue James of Vermont shared her thoughts on the proposed change to the constitution. Picture: Kirra Grimes

“I think it’s well overdue. Indigenous people need a say in what affects them, not just white people deciding how they might be best helped.

“I think the (referendum) question needs to be kept simple, because if they make it with all the detail involved, people will just vote ‘no’ because it’ll be something they don’t think they agree with.

“The details should be worked out but to begin with, we need to have the referendum to try and get a ‘yes’ vote to say yes, they have a voice and then work out the details.”

Damian Stevens, Ballarat

Ballarat's Damian Stevens said he would “absolutely” vote in favour of the proposed constitutional change.

“I think it’s a lot about equity and recognition, because of what we see with all of the data around life expectancy, around people being locked up.

“(It’s about) having a voice for the current issues that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are having at the moment.

“One of the things I really like about it as well is it won’t actually change the way government operates.

“It won’t take away from how decisions are made in parliament at the moment.

“It’s a voice, but it’s not necessarily reducing the integrity of how parliament works at the moment.”

Jack Rayner, Heathmont

“I’m in favour of it. It’s going to bring genuine change rather than symbolism and tokenism.

“I think its something that’s going to be productive moving forward with reconciliation and a whole lot of other things.

“I think its valuable for Indigenous people to have a direct line to the government.”

Trudy Bahl, Bell Park

Trudy Bahl, Bell Park. Picture: Supplied

“It was their land, it is going to be better for all of us if there is a voice to parliament.”

Tim Bird, North Geelong

Tim Bird, North Geelong. Picture: Supplied

“I haven’t heard of the voice to parliament but it is something I would like to know more about.”

Melissa Attard, Armstrong Creek

Melissa Attard, Armstrong Creek. Picture: Supplied

“I would absolutely like to know more about it and would support it. Everyone deserves to be equal.”

Phil Dickson, North Geelong

Phil Dickson, Armstrong Creek. Picture: Supplied

“Good luck to them, I won’t be around when these things happen.”

Hailie McCauley, Cranbourne

Hailie McCauley, Cranbourne. Picture: supplied

“I think it’s really important that it happens.

“It’s important for all communities in Australian society that there is an Indigenous voice in parliament, and particularly that there is women in there representing us as well.

“I think a lot of people hesitate to talk about this because it is a very contentious issue, and most people don’t have the knowledge or education to really comment on it properly.”