Northern, Tiwi and Anindilyakwa land councils break silence on Voice referendum No vote

The Territory’s powerful land councils say while ‘it is fair to say that not everyone who voted No is racist’, ‘all racists voted No’. Read why they have broken their silence.

NLC chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi at the Barunga Festival where the Territory’s land councils pledged their support for the Voice. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakrhin

Three of the Territory’s powerful Aboriginal land councils have broken their silence over the result of this month’s Voice referendum, saying it “cannot be separated from a deep-seated racism”.

The Northern Land Council, the Tiwi Land Council and the Anindilyakwa Land Council released a joint statement labelling the No vote “an attempt to silence Aboriginal people which is likely to further disadvantage our communities”.

“It is fair to say that not everyone who voted ‘No’ is racist but also fair to say that all racists voted ‘No’,” it reads.

“The vitriol and hatred that were part of the campaign existed prior to, but were given licence through, the process.

“The overarching theory we are incapable of managing our own affairs is dehumanising and degrading and most of all, deeply flawed.”

The land councils said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “showed courage to take the proposal to the Australian people”, saying “the request for a Voice was simple”.

“On referendum day the majority of Australians denied this simple request,” the statement reads.

“The mistakes of the past will be continued with the latest mandate.”

NLC chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said “We are disappointed, but not surprised” by the result, while TLC chairman Gibson Farmer Illortaminni said the outcome “underscores the pressing need for us to find a way forward”.

“One that ensures our voices are not only heard but respected when crucial decisions are being made by the government, decisions that directly impact our lives, lands, seas and culture,” he said.

The land councils said with Aboriginal Territorians making up 30 per cent of the NT’s population and controlling much of the land and coastline, “prosperity in this jurisdiction relies on us”.

“We ask for and will continue to expect engagement and partnership”, ALC chairman Tony Wurramarrba said.

It comes after the land councils joined a “week of silence” following the defeat of the referendum last Saturday.

“Much will be asked about the role of racism and prejudice against Indigenous people in this result,” a joint statement read.

“The only thing we ask is that each and every Australian who voted in this election reflect hard on this question.”