Labor’s strategy on the voice is failing Indigenous people

The same-sex plebiscite was overwhelmingly supported when the question was unequivocal, whereas the republican referendum failed because the model proposed (a president appointed by parliament, not the people) was divisive. It is instructive that too much detail undermined John Hewson’s GST election in 1993, but after the GST was legislated seven years later by John Howard voters were less fearful and more accepting.

We know constitutional referendums always struggle without bipartisan support and it is critical for success that the government listens to Peter Dutton and establishes the voice by legislation and consensus – to prove its merit – before a popular national vote.

Labor’s current strategy is likely to fail; it will deny Indigenous Australians recognition in a preamble to the Constitution and Anthony Albanese will be the Prime Minister who broke the heart of First Nations people.

Nelson Mandela’s famous Truth and Reconciliation Commission triumphed only through goodwill on all sides, but Australia’s progressive left refuses to heed this lesson. The federal government is toying with the aspirations and esteem of Indigenous Australians, and if a narrow result (or outright defeat) of the proposed referendum exacerbates racism in society (foreseeable by some) history will rightly excoriate this government.

Greg Jones, Kogarah, NSW

Having been concerned about the conflict and negativity that have arisen during the voice discussions, I was uplifted by Greg Craven’s article (“Voice is driven by enduring principle of fairness”, 24-25/6), in which he focuses on principles and underlying values for the referendum. The principles were fairness, solidarity, alignment and goodwill with the Aboriginal people, and strengthening the soul of our country.

The message that I want to convey in my Yes vote is to empower the many representative groups who have created the Uluru Statement from the Heart and affirm that we are partners moving forward. Constitutional recognition will pave the way for addressing the housing, health and human rights issues of Aboriginal people, by Aboriginal communities, leading to greater self-determination. Within the context of these principles and values, any issues and concerns can be resolved.

Marg Attwood, Mt Martha, Vic

I agree with the excellent letter by Anthony Dillon (26/6). The authors of the Uluru Statement from the Heart have had six years to develop a detailed strategy of how the voice will help alleviate the very serious problems of our most vulnerable Indigenous people. I am sure these strategies have been shared by these Indigenous leaders with Anthony Albanese, but as yet they have chosen not to share these strategies with the Australian public. I hope this information is provided to the public immediately. If it isn’t, I think the referendum will be lost. Surely that would be the worst outcome for the government and the proponents of the Yes campaign. Prime Minister, please help us make an informed decision.

Adrian Hassett, Vermont, Vic

Imagine that the UK proposed a voice to the House of Commons and executive government. This voice would be restricted only to the indigenous people of the UK, those who could trace their Anglo-Celt roots back a certain number of generations. Would this voice help to unite the vibrant multicultural structure of the modern UK? Would it be racist?

Reflect on your answers to these simple questions as you ponder the Australian voice to parliament.

Nick Bretland, Bayswater, WA

It takes me a while to read The Weekend Australian, but last weekend was particularly illuminating on the voice. Paul Kelly quotes Linda Burney saying the problems she sees as she goes around outback communities will magically be addressed with the voice (“Passion and power in high-stakes gamble”, 24-25/6). A few pages later, Natasha Bita details how Queensland Pathways State College is helping young people including Indigenous teens to become model students (“Educational beacon and hope for ‘misfits’ of the pandemic”). If we are spending billions on Aboriginal affairs every year, surely some of this money could be redirected to setting up educational facilities in problem Aboriginal communities right now.

Graeme Weber, Malvern, Vic