Talkin’ ‘bout a referendum
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128 , 21 July 2023, page no.19
A referendum is a vote by the Australian people on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution, the set of rules by which Australia is run that came into effect on 1 January 1901.
Voting in a referendum is like voting in a federal election. Polling places are set up at schools and other public buildings, and voting is compulsory for citizens 18 years and over. The main difference is that instead of numbering, voters write the word ‘Yes’ on their ballot paper if they approve of the proposed change, and ‘No’ if they do not approve of it. If the full word isn’t written (such as putting the letter Y instead of the whole word ‘Yes’) the vote is not counted.
A referendum can only be passed if:
- it is approved by a majority of voters across the nation, and
- it is approved by a majority of voters in a majority of states (at least four states).
This is called a double majority.
The Constitution was drafted at a time when Australia was considered a land that belonged to no-one – Terra Nullius. First Nations people were deliberately excluded, considered a “dying race” not worthy of citizenship.
It is time for the Australian Constitution to recognise Australian history prior to European colonisation and reflect true Australian identity and history. First Nations people need to be recognised in the Constitution.
The Australian Constitution currently contains no protections against racial discrimination – this sits under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), which is federal legislation. This means the federal government has the power to remove it, and they have done so previously, with the Northern Territory intervention and the dispute over Hindmarsh Island Bridge in South Australia.
Now that we have reached the middle of the year, the Unions for Yes movement is moving into Phase 2. Phase 1 (from March onwards) was all about education, but now it is time for action. As unionists, we need to actively demonstrate solidarity, and activate other unionists. We need to create “surround sound” – noise about the campaign online, in the media and in communities.
We are at a stage in the campaign where people should know about the referendum, now we need to act. How will you show solidarity? Are there other unionists you can bring into the campaign with you? How will you help create “surround sound” about the campaign?
ACTU Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference
Australian Council of Trade Union’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference in Brisbane.
I joined QTU members Judith Felton, Sam Bann, Maddy Pugin, Tennille Bainbridge and Belinda Coulihan at the conference, which centred around the YES campaign. Delegates learned how to build power through constitutional change, use their voices, campaign, create power, have conversations, and pass on the message stick.
We were able to meet prominent union powerhouses, such as Uncle Bob Anderson, ACTU First Nations Officer Lara Watson, ACTU First Nations Educator Rachel Bos, NTEU’s Celeste Liddle, ACTU Secretary Sally McManus, and YES23 QLD Co-ordinator Stephen Mam.
It was a fantastic day with lots of learning and connection, and we all came away with some fantastic skills to take back to our respective workplaces and regions.
NSWTF First Nations Members Conference
Two First Nations delegates and I attended the New South Wales Teachers Federation’s First Nations Members Conference in Sydney.
The first day took the form of a meeting of Yalukit Yulendj, which is the Australian Education Union’s First Nations committee, with elected representatives from all around Australia. As an Acting Officer, I proxied for QTU First Nations Officer Rachel Bos, who is currently on leave, and delegates Penny Taylor and Micheal Beale were able to attend as observers. There was plenty of discussion about the YES23 Campaign and the union movement itself in regard to First Nations peoples. Some great connections were made, and relationships built.
The conference itself took place on the second day. First Nations NSWTF members attended from across the state, as well as Yalukit Yulendj members and observers attending as guests. We heard from some amazing speakers, such as the NSWTF senior officers, ACTU Education Officers and YES23 campaign workers. We were all put through YES23 conversation training, and were able to attend workshops in the afternoon, such as dealing with racism in the workplace, incorporating First Nations language into schools, and having difficult conversations.