In the wake of the referendum
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128, 8 November 2023, page no.11
As I write this piece, I do not have anything left to give. I am in disbelief, in a state of shock, left feeling numb.
Yet, I find myself in the impossible situation of penning this reflection of a hard-fought campaign – a campaign that many of the QTU’s members and staff embraced with honesty and integrity until the end, refusing to stoop to the lowly depths of those who ultimately won at the ballots. For this we can hold our heads up high.
Writing this article after the referendum was always going to be difficult; however, given the majority of Australians have rejected the proposal for recognition of the First Peoples of Australia through a Voice to Parliament, it is much more difficult to reflect and put words to paper.
Moving forward, Saturday 14 October 2023 will forever more be referred to by the vast majority of Aboriginal Peoples, Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and our allies, as one of the darkest moments in Australia’s history. First Nations Peoples feel repudiation following the rejection of the generous and heartfelt offer extended to all across this vast continent.
Despite our hopes and optimism for change, many of us went to bed on 14 October knowing that when we awoke it would be just another day in the colony for us and that, for now, things remain the same in First Nations affairs. However, it would be remiss of me to not mention that Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are patient. History demonstrates this. Over the past 235 years, we have engaged in dialogue and campaigned for our basic human rights to be met and for society to treat us in socially just ways.
Thank you to all our members and their families, regardless of how you voted, who genuinely engaged in open, honest, and respectful conversations. These members showed a sincere interest in understanding why constitutional reform was significant to not only myself, but, more importantly, Aboriginal members, Torres Strait Islander members and our communities across Australia. While we accept the will of the people, the failure to pass the proposed constitutional reform is short-sighted and is a missed opportunity to build a united future through healing, accountability, better outcomes, and responsible fiscal management.
Heartfelt thanks and gratitude are extended to:
- Rachel Bos, former QTU First Nations Officer, for bringing this important work to the attention of the union movement and her tireless work leading up to and during the campaign
- the current and former Gandu Jarjum Committee members for embracing the invitation within the Uluru Statement from the Heart
- Acting First Nations Officer Emerson Zerafa-Payne – thank you for your support and continued comradeship, running sessions for not only QTU members but also members of QCU affiliates
- all QTU staff and members who walk alongside us, advocating for the human and social justice rights of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across Australia, especially those living in third world conditions in a developed country.
As we reflect on the campaign more broadly and as the analysis of the referendum process comes to light, members will learn of the honesty, integrity, and forward-thinking nature of the YES campaign – a campaign that was formulated from the ideals of grassroots community members, campaign that we now know was embraced and needed by the overwhelming majority of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, especially those in the most remote corners of Queensland and Australia.
Over the coming days, weeks and years, Australians will continue to learn about the truth of our country’s ancient histories, as well as our shared history. We will also come to value the compassion, empathy and understanding that is exuded by Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as we dig deep to find the resilience needed to continue advocating for a better future for all Australians, a future in which our leaders are held accountable for the decisions that they make.
Micheal Beale
QTU Project Officer - Voice Campaign