The Voice Referendum was held in Australia on 14 October 2023. It was defeated. Those who voted YES numbered 39.9% of the population, while the NO vote secured 60.1%.
It had been claimed that the Voice would not achieve practical outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, it was the Indigenous peoples themselves, those who have experienced decades of poor education, health and economic deficits, who were asking for a Voice enshrined in the Constitution. It was they who recognised the inadequacy of decisions that have been made for them by government, legislative and judicial institutions.
The First Peoples of this land were denied a Voice in the Australian Constitution. Thus they continue to be denied the political participation guaranteed them in UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
The level of misinformation (mistakes) and disinformation (lies) surrounding the referendum remains deeply concerning.
Below is a record of some efforts made in the interests of the YES position in the lead-up to the Referendum.
See also the 2022 “Stop the Lies” Bill that sought to address misleading and deceptive political advertising
And see here the 1845 Report from a Select Committee on the “Condition of the Aborigines“.
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5 April 2023 Josephite Justice Network (JJN) Letter to Peter Dutton. SOSJ Support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart
22 April 2023 JJN Submission to Inquiry into Referendum Submission Uluru Statement from the Heart
26 July 2023 – a message sent to contacts by email:
We are disturbed by the fact that Sky News has launched a 24/7 channel devoted entirely to the debate surrounding the Indigenous voice to parliament. As the Murdoch-financed channel has demonstrated strong support for the “No” case, there are dangers in the wall-to-wall presence of such a one-sided platform. Malcolm Turnbull and Sharan Burrow have written of their concerns. The No campaign has not hesitated to distribute misleading material that is causing confusion and anger. It’s a real challenge to all of us who are concerned about justice in this land. I’m sure you would want to keep this on the agenda.
3 August 2023 Connelly letter to Sydney Morning Herald – No campaign uses age-old tactic of fear – SMH 03.08.23
19 August 2023 An article in the Catholic Weekly: False claims of the No Voice campaign
19 August 2023 Connelly letter published on Sydney Morning Herald Website:
It’s good to read that No voters want to support Indigenous peoples (Letters, August 18). Perhaps those who remain unconvinced about the Voice are influenced by the disinformation in sections of the media. The No campaign uses false claims, misquotes and fearmongering. One wonders why untruths are employed if furthering Indigenous progress and national honour are the aims. Alongside the dreadful history of dispossession and massacres over the last two centuries, there have been numerous projects aimed at redressing Indigenous disadvantage. However, these well-intentioned efforts ignored the wisdom of the people they were directed towards, and so had inbuilt collapse. The Yes case has the support of most Indigenous people and it is clear on both the power and the limits of the Voice. Don’t know? Find out!
28 August 2023 Gilbert & Tobin’s expert analysis of the ‘Official Yes/No Cases’ published by the Australian Electoral Commission
29 August 2023 Connelly letter to Sydney Morning Herald – Liberal Party’s referendum fearmongering divides – SMH 29.08.23
30 August 2023 Summary of Gilbert & Tobin’s publication in “The Conversation”.
3 September 2023 On Sunday 3 September 2023 Timorese people at Church sang for the Voice to Parliament.
22 September 2023 Letter to all Coalition MPs from Josephite Justice Network (JJN). Letter to Coalition from JJN
28 September 2023 Lucy Hamilton – Pearls and Irritations – “The Voice reveals the urgent need for truth reforms“.
29 Sept 2023 Carl Mackander – “Mary Julian Donald and Duncan_Early Journeys with Indigenous Peoples” (3.8 mb)
1 October 2023 Josephites singing “The Voice” by Suze Pratten.
3 October 2023 Summary of the YES and NO Cases. Yes and no Cases in summary
4 October 2023 Writing Rings for Righting Wrongs
5 October 2023 Similarities and differences between Australian and Timorese Indigenous peoples. Bonds Across the Ages
5 October 2023 Josephites for the Voice – YouTube Video
10 October 2023 Connelly letter to Sydney Morning Herald – Voice opponents will have to explain negative tactics – SMH 10.10.23
13 October 2023 All Night Vigil at Mary MacKillop Place North Sydney – Referendum Vigil 13.10.23
16 October 2023 Catholic Leader article:
11 October 2023 Tracey Westerman – Crikey – “As a First Nations psychologist, allow me to unpick Price’s claim that there are no lasting negative impacts of British colonisation”.
18 October 2023 NATSICC statement referendum
12 July 2024 Letter to Indigenous MPs and Senators re NAIDOC Week Letter re NAIDOC week
2024 Tuesdays with Naomi at Baabayn Baabayn 2024