A voice would deal in abstractions, not practicalities

There should be wide support for the views expressed by Henry Ergas (“It is best we all sing from the same sheet of music”, 19/7). It is strange that an admittedly well motivated proposal to add a racially based element to the Constitution is being considered at the same time as proposals to remove other elements because they are racially based.

The Constitution should be free of anything that advantages or disadvantages any citizen on the basis of race. That doesn’t mean the federal government can’t assist people who are disadvantaged. It is distorted thinking to believe that addressing nebulous abstractions such as giving people a voice or addressing the wrongs of the past will fix homelessness, or education, or health problems in Aboriginal communities.

Philip Temple, Larrakeyah, NT

Henry Ergas sums up the issue with “the ideal of political equality is so precious, and the battle to secure it has been so hard fought, that the proposal to reintroduce the colour of one’s skin into our Constitution is deeply troubling”.

It is inconceivable that most Australians would ever countenance any proposal for constitutional change when the inescapable feature would be the creation of another legislative framework.

It will be impossible to attempt a presentation of any such proposal as not being in pursuit of power, and the setting of a dangerous precedent, as the entire exercise will then be seen as plainly vacuous if not inane.

It will take a transformation of the political psyche of the nation to endorse a proposal that is far more suspicious, uncertain and loaded with potential loss of freedoms that have been hard fought for than in any of the proposals previously rejected in the country’s political history.

George Carabelas, Mt Barker, SA

Murray Gleeson’s call for an indigenous voice to be “constitutionally enshrined” to guarantee its continued existence, with respect, may not guarantee anything (“Nothing to fear from ‘voice’ ”, 19/7). Section 101 of the Constitution says “there shall be an interstate commission, with such powers of adjudication and administration as the parliament deems necessary for the execution and maintenance of the provisions of this Constitution relating to trade and commerce, and of all laws made thereunder”.

Section 103 provides for the appointment and remuneration of its commissioners. But successive parliaments since Federation have never deemed anything necessary, or provided any funding, and the commission has never come into existence. A constitutionally enshrined voice is therefore not guaranteed.

Glenn I. Simpson, Elanora, Qld

With his usual precision, former chief justice Murray Gleeson has brought calm to the debate. That has been strengthened by Linda Burney’s agreement with Gleeson and her assurance the voice was never meant to usurp parliamentary sovereignty.

Thereby the Australian people, embracing indigenous, native-born and immigrant, can confidently continue along the path to proper reconciliation with the aspirations expressed by Henry Ergas that historical divisions will be healed and political equality, including the removal of race references in the Constitution, will be freshly achieved.

Ian Dunlop, Hawks Nest, NSW

The dispelling of legal concerns by Murray Gleeson concerning the creation of an indigenous voice to parliament is an important step forward. But the legal issue is only one dimension. There is a need to persuade the population at large that such a move would lead to real improvements, rather than just improved sentiment.

Michael Schilling, Millswood, SA

While I have no objection to indigenous constitutional recognition, how is it going to make any difference to the lives of Aborigines living in isolated townships. We all know the problems these communities face with a lack of job opportunities, crime, low school attendance, youth suicide and family breakdown. How these communities can be incorporated into mainstream Australia with opportunities for the future is beyond me, but should be of great concern to everyone if these people are to have a future.

Glenys Clift, Toowoomba, Qld